Quest Diagnostics develops blood test to determine immune response to COVID-19

Holly Herman, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 24—Quest Diagnostics introduced a new blood test Wednesday to aid in determining if an individual has developed immunity to the coronavirus by either having had COVID-19 or being vaccinated for it.

Dr. Jay G. Wohlgemuth, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Quest Diagnostics, said that the serology testing will be an important clinical tool to assess if an individual has mounted an immune response from a recent or prior infection or from vaccination.

"These insights may aid clinical management of certain patients at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease or who may be at risk for vaccination, such as people with a history of severe vaccine allergy or women who are pregnant," Wohlgemuth said in a press release.

"While the science is evolving, many individuals may have an interest in understanding their immune response status over time and post-vaccination," he said.

As many as 40% of individuals infected with the virus do not have symptoms and may not realize they have been infected, according to Quest.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, blood tests can help identify individuals who have "developed antibodies that may protect from future infection as well as identify those still at risk."

Only a health care provider can order a Quest Diagnostics serology antibody test.

The blood tests are available at Quest patient service centers. The tests are not yet a part of the state Department of Health's reporting.

These are the Quest locations in Berks where antibody testing is available:

— 11th and Rockland streets, Reading.

— Fairgrounds Square Mall, 3050 Fifth Street Highway, Muhlenberg Township.

— Shillington Shopping Center, 520 E. Lancaster Ave., Cumru Township.

— 2001 State Hill Road, Suite 130, Wyomissing.

— 4400 Perkiomen Ave., Exeter Township.

— 500 Hawk Ridge Drive, Suite 8, Hamburg.

Patients may schedule appointments ahead of time through the Quest Diagnostics MyQuest patient portal or at www.QuestDiagnostics.com.