Philadelphia, PA – May 8, 2020 – vybe urgent care, with 11 centers in the greater Philadelphia market, is pleased to offer COVID-19 serological antibody testing to help patients determine if they’ve already been exposed to the coronavirus. The COVID-19 serum antibody test is used to detect the presence of antibodies, not to diagnose an active infection. A positive result indicates that the individual has had exposure to COVID-19. Some people infected with COVID-19 will never exhibit symptoms but will have detectable antibodies.
With the addition of antibody testing, vybe is now offering patients two options for coronavirus testing:
The serology antibody testing offered by vybe urgent care differs from “finger prick” blood tests because a laboratory analyzes the blood sample for different types of antibodies that result after exposure to COVID-19. This test has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
“We’ve completed thousands of PCR tests for suspected COVID-19 patients. Knowing the high rate of asymptomatic individuals, we’re pleased to now offer this highly accurate antibody test to patients who believe they may have been infected,” said Peter Hotz, vybe urgent care’s president and CEO. “We recognize how important these results are for patient’s peace of mind and for understanding community health as we gradually return to work and other activities in the greater Philadelphia region. We’ve been actively talking with employers about safe return-to-work and business continuity programs and the proper role of testing in these initiatives.”
All vybe’s COVID-19 testing begins with a telemedicine visit, allowing a vybe clinician to recommend the test that best meets a patient’s needs. For patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who have potentially been exposed to someone who has tested positive, a visit may include a recommendation for a curbside swab test. Patients who meet the criteria for the antibody test will go into a vybe center for a blood draw after the virtual visit is complete.
“With most viruses, the presence of antibodies would suggest some degree of immunity. We do not yet know if having antibodies to the coronavirus can protect someone from reinfection or how long that protection might last,” said Dr. Geoff Winkley, vybe’s medical director. “Still, knowing their status may help patients make better-informed decisions as we learn more about COVID-19.”
vybe urgent care locations remain open and see patients safely through advance online check-in and pre-entry coronavirus screening. Patients are escorted from the front door to a sterile exam room without the risk of contact with other sick patients. vybe urgent care delivers compassionate care for a wide range of ailments, including illnesses, injuries, stitches, x-rays, physical exams, vaccinations and lab testing, including COVID-19.
To learn more about vybe’s video visits, COVID-19 testing, and to see current hours, visit vybe.care/video-visits.
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