GREENVILLE, SC June 10, 2020 – As America moves through phases of reopening, an increase in COVID-19 testing has largely contributed to the ability for the population to return to a sense of normalcy. Ongoing research will be paramount for the country to maintain the path to a fully operating economy and to prepare for any subsequent waves of infection. In addition to testing for the presence of COVID-19 with PCR tests, now that many have suffered from COVID-19, antibody testing is becoming more critical in compiling accurate data for a wider understanding of the virus. That’s why Vessel Medical, a provider of medical workflow solutions, supplies, and equipment, dedicated to providing testing kits and medical supplies needed for battling COVID-19, is now increasing access to quality SARS-CoV-2 rapid antibody test kits throughout the US.

Granted emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vessel Medical’s antibody test kits are available to be shipped nationwide for detection of COVID-19 Immunoglobulin G and Immunoglobulin M (IgG/IgM) antibodies. The test kits are developed for sample collection via a finger prick in which blood is then placed on a cartridge that will provide easy to read results in under 15 minutes. Results of this serological test determine if there is a presence of antibodies in the patient sample, indicating that the patient had a past infection with the COVID-19 virus and could potentially be immune to reinfection – Antibodies are disease specific proteins that usually help to fight off infections and provide protection against getting that same disease again (immunity).

“We are determined in doing our part for opening up America again and will continue meeting COVID-19 head-on by providing solutions to the latest testing demands,” said Kevin Murdock, founder of Vessel Medical.

Aside from determining potential immunity from a reinfection of COVID-19, the other benefits to receiving antibody testing are:

• To help in developing a vaccine for COVID-19
• To help provide researchers and healthcare professionals further understanding of COVID-19
• To determine a patient’s ability to donate antibody-rich plasma which can be used in convalescent plasma therapy, potentially helping other patients overcome COVID-19
• To help guide doctors in providing the correct clinical care for specific patient needs

In their efforts to fight against COVID-19, Vessel Medical also recently launched a program specifically designed for returning employees safely to work. The program, MDHealthPro Opening Up America Again developed with leading laboratory, Premier Medical Laboratory Services, equips businesses with the latest in safety, monitoring, and testing for COVID-19. Along with the introduction of this program to provide safety solutions, Vessel Medical donated thousands of N95 masks to hospital systems, fire departments, and police departments throughout South Carolina, where they are headquartered.

Hospitals and physicians offices can order antibody tests today by visiting www.vesselmedical.com or calling 1.866.451.6337.

Premier Medical Laboratory Services’ (PMLS) antibody testing, which was granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), requires a blood draw administered by a physician or staff which is then sent to PMLS for the IgG/IgM ELISA. Results are provided within 24 – 48 hours upon lab receipt of the testing sample and determine if there is a presence of antibodies in the patient sample – indicating that the patient had a past infection of the COVID-19 virus and could potentially be immune to a reinfection.

“Because gathering data on COVID-19 to understand its complexities is so important in overcoming it, we are dedicated to offering every effective testing resource we can,” said Kevin Murdock, founder of PMLS. “We are determined in doing our part for the safe reopening of America and will continue meeting COVID-19 head-on with the latest in technology and science.”

An ideal candidate for the antibody test is someone who believes they already have had the COVID-19 virus. Anyone currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not take an antibody test, but rather, should take the PCR test to determine if they currently have the COVID-19 virus. According to the CDC, antibody testing should be conducted 1-3 weeks after infection, since it can take that amount of time for the body to produce antibodies.

Aside from determining potential immunity from a reinfection of COVID-19, the other benefits to receiving antibody testing are:

• To help guide doctors in providing the correct clinical care for specific patient needs
• To help provide researchers and healthcare professionals further understanding of COVID-19
• To determine a patient’s ability to donate antibody-rich plasma which can be used in convalescent plasma therapy, potentially helping other patients overcome COVID-19
• To help in developing a vaccine for COVID-19

Along with antibody testing, Premier Medical Laboratory Services also recently introduced (in partnership with Vessel Medical) a comprehensive COVID-19 safety program to equip businesses with the latest in testing, safety, and monitoring for returning employees to work – MDHealthPro Opening Up America Again.

Hospitals and physicians offices can provide COVID-19 PCR testing or antibody testing by clicking on the following link for easy account activation with PMLS: www.premedinc.com/covid-19.

For more information, please visit www.PreMedInc.com or call 1.877.335.2455.