San Bernardino County continues to ramp up testing for the coronavirus. These tests are officially referred to as a test for the ‘polymerase chain reaction’ (or PCR tests), and they show whether an individual is currently infected with the virus. A Public Health Department spokeswoman said that more testing will result in higher numbers of residents testing positive, but that has less to do with an increase in the virus but more a reflection of greater detection. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the county will also start testing people to see if they have antibodies to the disease in their blood…
The county is now performing serology testing at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Serology testing is used to detect the presence of antibodies in a person’s blood serum (or other tissues), which is evidence that the individual might have been previously infected with a coronavirus, not necessarily COVID-19. A serology test is not effective for determining if someone is currently infected with the coronavirus, but it can help medical professionals better assess the extent of how the coronavirus is spreading among different populations. It is important data for the county, the nation and the world in our collective fight against the pandemic. Testing positive for the virus antibody does not mean you have immunity to COVID-19. At this time, serology testing is only being conducted at ARMC, but it is expected be rolled out to public heath testing locations as soon as this week. Those who are given the PCR and serology tests are notified with their results usually within a few days.
All testing remains focused on those individuals most at risk of the disease: those showing symptoms, are over age 65, have pre-existing conditions that intensify risk, and public safety workers. Selected individuals being given the PCR test will be asked if they would also agree to a serology test, which involves taking a blood sample via a simple finger prick. Serology tests are only available in conjunction with PCR tests, so appointments cannot be made for serology testing.
