CVS Health announced it will offer Covid-19 antibody tests at its MinuteClinic locations across the country. CVS operates more than 1,100 MinuteClinic locations in CVS stores in 33 states plus Washington, D.C.
The test, which requires a finger prick for a blood sample, can identify if a patient was infected with Covid-19, with results produced in just 15 minutes. Notably, the antibody test is not intended to diagnose a person currently infected with the virus, as the presence of antibodies signals a previous infection.
"After successfully piloting the antibody test offering at more than 100 MinuteClinic locations earlier this year, and recently launching the service at all of our clinic locations in Massachusetts and Texas, we have seen steady interest in affordable COVID-19 antibody testing," Sharon Vitti, president of MinuteClinic, said in a statement. "Being able to provide patients with easy access to a rapid antibody test at MinuteClinic locations to help determine previous infection is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment to supporting Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic."
The antibody test costs $38, with payment due at the time of service, the company announced. CVS will also accept Medicaid for the tests
"These tests can help patients determine if they may have been infected with COVID-19 in the past," Angela Patterson, chief nurse practitioner officer, MinuteClinic, vice president of CVS Health, said in the announcement. "While these tests have been found to be very accurate, patients need to keep in mind that it can take the body up to two weeks to generate enough antibodies to be detected by a test, so testing too soon after a suspected infection may not yield an accurate result."
The announcement comes at a time when CVS Health has thrived, with increased demand for certain products and services over the last year. On the Covid-19 front, more accessibility to antibody tests also comes as more than 167 million vaccine doses have been administered as of April 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."