Aspirus brings COVID antibody testing capability to central Wisconsin

Metro Wire Staff

Aspirus is leading the charge in getting central Wisconsin back to a “new normal,” and on Tuesday announced it had the capability to offer testing for COVID-19 antibodies.

Aspirus is scheduled to begin providing COVID-19 antibody tests, also known as antiserology, daily, and beginning immediately. Results will be available within 24 hours of a sample arriving at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Lab.

“Aspirus is committed to getting companies back to business and patients back to receiving excellent, compassionate health care,” said Aspirus System Laboratory Services Director Deakin Washatko. “Fast access to reliable, high-quality tests is essential for health care systems. The antibody test is an important next step in the fight against COVID-19.”

An antibody test looks for the presence of antibodies, which are specific proteins made in response to infections. Antibodies can be found in the blood of people who are tested after infection and demonstrate an immune response to the infection. Antibody test results are especially important for detecting previous infections with few or no symptoms.

It’s important to note that it is not known if the antibody tests will provide people with immunity from future infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The availability of antibody tests is an important turning point in the progression of a pandemic,” Washatko said. “This will help us get a clearer picture of how the disease has spread throughout the community.”

If you think you need a serology test, please contact your primary care provider.