The Baxter Regional Medical Center COVID-19 update for Wednesday includes Ron Peterson, president and CEO; Stephanie Free, infection preventionist; Ralph Van Dyke, technical specialist, Lab PCR Department; and Tobias Pugsley, director of Marketing. Among the items they discuss are the availability of antibody testing at BRMC and if there is a problem securing blood supplies for surgeries.
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Baxter Regional Medical Center now offers COVID-19 antibody testing
May 20, 2020 – In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), Baxter Regional Medical Center (BRMC) officials announce they now have the capability to offer serological (antibody) testing. Antibody testing, also known as a serology test, detects antibodies in the blood, which indicate if a person has had COVID-19 and mounted an immune response to the virus that causes it. If people have been symptom-free (no fever or cough) for two weeks and are concerned they may have previously had COVID-19, Baxter Regional can perform a serology test through drawing blood from a vein in the arm that will check for the antibodies that develop after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
Those who are interested in antibody testing may self-refer (walk-in only) to Main Registration at BRMC Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for the test is $120 (cash pay only) and payment is required in advance. Anyone entering the facility will be required to wear a mask and will be temperature screened at the entrance.
Antibody testing is meant for people without symptoms of COVID-19. People with symptoms of possible active COVID-19, such as cough, fever or shortness of breath, should not go directly to the hospital or a physician clinic. These individuals should stay home, call their primary physician or the Baxter Regional COVID-19 Hotline (870-508-7001, available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and avoid contact with others.
For more information on serological (antibody) testing, visit the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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