Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) now offers antibody testing for the virus associated with COVID-19 for patients. An order from a patient’s healthcare provider is required. It is only advised for people at least 10 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or 10 days since exposure to individuals with confirmed COVID-19.
An antibody test detects the presence of antibodies, which are specific proteins called immunoglobulins made by the body in response to infections. The presence of antibodies indicates that an individual has been exposed to (infected with) that particular infectious agent, such as the virus associated with COVID-19.
The role of testing for COVID-19 is important as it aids in not just detecting the disease, but understanding it. Every patient who receives an antibody test will be reported to the South Dakota Department of Health.
“It is not yet know if someone who tests positive for an antibody test are immune to the virus,” said K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO. “We hope this is just the first step of making antibody tests available in our community. It is not yet widely available for the public, and we understand the reassurance the test could bring to individuals who suspect they had COVID-19.”
Individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms are not candidates for this test. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The most recent symptoms list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes:
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- Loss of taste or smell (new)
If community members have developed symptoms and aren’t sure what to do, they are encouraged to call the COVID Hotline organized by the Watertown Area Task Force at 605-753-1408. Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am – 9 pm, Saturday 9 am – 1 pm, and Sunday 1 – 5 pm.
More information will be released regarding the antibody test availability as the service is developed at PLHS.