MVH Offers COVID-19 Antibody/Multiphasic Blood Screening
Were you ill earlier this year and question, "Could I have had COVID-19?" Do you wonder if you had the virus and were asymptomatic? Monongahela Valley Hospital is offering COVID-19 antibody screening at its five community blood draw centers beginning on June 8. In addition, MVH will hold a one-day blood screening event in its Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center on Saturday, June 13.
An antibody test can help determine if someone was infected with the virus and if the person has developed antibodies. MVH is one of the few facilities in the area offering COVID-19 antibody testing using the FDA-approved Abbott Architect laboratory system. The Abbott test has a 99.9% accuracy rate among people tested 17 days after the start of symptoms.
The blood draw, which takes less than five minutes, does not require fasting. It is available at a cost of $55 at the following blood draw centers:
- Monongahela Valley Hospital Outpatient Lab - Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. to noon
- Monongahela Valley Hospital HealthPlex Occupational Health - Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Blood Draw Center - Monongahela — Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Blood Draw Center Finleyville - Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Blood Draw Center California - Tues. and Thurs., 8 a.m. to noon
In addition, MVH is sponsoring a community screening event on Saturday, June 13, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. by appointment. Individual COVID-19 antibody tests will be available for $55 and a Multiphasic Blood Screening will be offered for $30. Anyone who wants both tests, will be offered a special rate of $75.
The Multiphasic Blood Screening can reveal many conditions in the body. For example, elevated triglyceride levels may increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease; high levels of potassium could indicate kidney damage and low hemoglobin levels may indicate anemia. These tests are among the 37 standard tests performed on the blood during the Multiphasic Screening. In addition to the standard tests, screenings for A1C, Prostate (PSA), Thyroid (TSH) and Vitamin D will be available for an additional cost. A 12-hour fasting period is required prior to the Multiphasic blood testing. Persons on medication should consult their physicians. Medical professionals from the laboratory at MVH will conduct the testing. The procedure takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Light refreshments will be available after testing is completed. Parking is free. To schedule an appointment for the June 13 COVID-19 Antibody and/or the Multiphasic Blood Screening, call 724-258-1282. The registration deadline is Thursday, June 11. Calls are answered weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.