Culver City Observer -

The FDA-authorized antibody test

detects the presence of the virus

through blood sample and identifies

patients who have been exposed to or

recovered from COVID-19.

"This is the next step in understanding

this virus and providing our communities

with the highest level of testing,"

Dr. Brian Wilbur, Chief Medical Officer

with Exer Urgent Care, told Patch.

People who are interested in receiving

an antibody test must receive a referral

through Exer's VirtualCare portal

or at an Exer clinic, Wilbur said. After

a referral is received, patients will be

directed to visit their local Exer clinic

to proceed with antibody testing and

will receive their results about 24 to 48

hours later.

"For patients experiencing COVID-19

symptoms such as cough, runny nose,

and shortness of breath, a nasal swab

test is still the current gold standard

for diagnosis," Wilbur told Patch. "Nasal

swab tests are available at all Exer

Urgent Care locations with a referral

through Exer's VirtualCare portal or at

an Exer clinic."

For the most effective results, the

antibody testing must be conducted a

minimum of 10 days after infection or

exposure, according to an Exer news

release.

"This helps ensure sensitivity and

produces more accurate results. Results

are received within 24-48 hours

after testing and Exer notifies patients

apprising them of their results and recommends

next steps," according to a

news release.

"With this new antibody testing, we

have the ability to identify people who

have been exposed to

COVID-19 and may not have experienced

associated symptoms," Wilbur

said. "We're taking the next steps in

understanding this virus and providing

our patients with the highest level of

testing in efforts to keep them healthy

and aware."