The UW Medicine Virology lab is receiving shipments of the Abbott laboratory–based antibody blood test for clinical use. Antibody blood tests are important to check people for past infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the cause of COVID-19. This particular test looks for the IgG antibody.
Abbott began shipping clinical lab tests April 16. The tests are expected to improve medical understanding of the virus, including how long antibodies stay in the body and if they provide immunity. This knowledge could support the development of treatments and vaccines. Earlier, the UW Medicine Virology lab helped Abbott evaluate the performance of its viral assays and how best to use them. The widespread use of tests for immunity to the pandemic coronavirus could be vital to the re-opening of businesses and schools and return of workers.
This press conference from April 17, 2020 includes virologists Keith Jerome and Alex Greninger.
