A leading global life sciences company announced that their antibody blood tests for the virus that causes COVID-19 are now offered throughout the United States with no upfront out-of-the-pocket costs.
Laboratory Corporation of America or LabCorp added that their antibody tests can be availed of in nearly 2,000 LabCorp patient service centers including more than 100 LabCorp at Walgreens locations, and thousands of physicians’ offices
LabCorp President and Chief Executive Officer Adam Schechter stated that they are bringing the full force of LabCorp’s science and testing capabilities to serve individuals across the United States..
“Whether they had the virus or believe they have the virus. We stand with all Americans, healthcare workers, and those on the frontlines who are helping people in need,” Schechter maintains.
For his part, Walgreens President Richard Ashworth believes that COVID-19 response requires collaboration across industries and sectors.
“We’re pleased to further our relationship with LabCorp in order to improve access to COVID-19 and antibody testing in many of the communities we serve. By continuing to expand our testing efforts and resources, together we’ll play a critical role in helping to keep our communities healthy and enabling more Americans to return to work once they can do so safely,” Ashworth disclosed.
LabCorp’s antibody blood tests are administered across the U.S. at no out-of-the-pocket cost to people who receive an order for a test through a doctor or healthcare provider, including telemedicine providers.
Results will be available to the ordering healthcare provider within 1-3 days after the date of specimen pick up.
LabCorp began antibody blood testing on a limited basis to high-priority healthcare workers in late-March and currently has capacity to perform over 50,000 antibody tests per day and expects to be able to perform 200,000 tests per day this month of May as more tests and testing platforms receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
The COVID-19 antibody blood tests detect the presence of antibodies to the virus and can help identify individuals who have been exposed to the virus but should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude infection as a patient’s results might simply be useful in the determination of important decisions, such as the ability for hospital staff to care for patients.
These tests have not been reviewed by the FDA but are being offered by LabCorp in accordance with the public health emergency guidance issued by the FDA on March 16.
LabCorp is a company that is deeply integrated in guiding patient care, providing comprehensive clinical laboratory and end-to-end drug development services. With a mission to improve health and improve lives, LabCorp delivers world-class diagnostics solutions, brings innovative medicines to patients faster, and uses technology to improve the delivery of care. LabCorp reported revenue of more than $11.5 billion in 2019.