BURLINGTON – Life science conglomerate LabCorp says it will expand the availability of tests for people who may have had COVID-19 symptoms but no longer are symptomatic.
These “serological” tests are for SARS-Co-V-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
On Tuesday, LabCorp announced the launch of an at-home tests for COVID-19 called Pixel. The Burlington-based firm also has another test that is available through healthcare providers.
“The [serological] tests determine the presence of antibodies to the virus and can help to identify individuals who have been exposed to the virus,” LabCorp said in the announement. “Understanding if an individual has developed antibodies and a potential immune response can be useful in the determination of important decisions such as the ability for hospital staff to care for patients.”
The company can now process 50,000 tests per day. These were first made available in early March.
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Healthcare officials have said the expansion of COVID-19 related tests is important to understanding the magnitude of the pandemic and to preventing a larger outbreak.
“LabCorp’s scientists are continuously focused on making novel testing options available to address COVID-19,” said Dr. Brian Caveney, chief medical officer and president of LabCorp Diagnostics. “While results from serological tests are neither the sole basis for a diagnosis nor assurance of immunity, we believe the tests will play a critical role in helping healthcare providers determine appropriate treatment for individuals suspected of having been infected with the virus.”
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