On Aug. 11, 2020, LabCorp announced details of a no charge antibody testing program in response to federal health authorities request to increase donations of COVID-19 blood plasma. Plasma with COVID-19 antibodies may be helpful when treating patients with an active COVID-19 infection and is being evaluated as a possible treatment.

Beginning today for the next three months, LabCorp will perform the high-affinity antibody test at no charge to patients, insurance companies, or the government. When patients are receiving other medically necessary blood tests as part of a medically necessary exam or treatment, this program allows providers to add the SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Test to the same order at no charge. The no-charge high-affinity antibody testing program will use only the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and does not apply to other COVID-19 antibody tests, such as the IgG test.

Patients will be able to access their results through the LabCorp Patient™ portal and through their doctor. Result data from the antibody testing program will also be reported to the CDC and state public health agencies to further support COVID-19 surveillance and response efforts.

Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have not experienced symptoms for at least two weeks, or who have been confirmed to have antibodies to the virus are likely candidates for plasma donation. Many people who have had COVID-19 do not experience symptoms and may be unaware they have antibodies that can help other patients. The antibody test performed by LabCorp can help determine if an individual has been exposed to the virus by detecting antibodies in the blood. Antibodies comprise part of the immune response to the virus.

Patients who test positive for COVID-19 antibodies are encouraged to donate their blood plasma. Donating plasma does not affect the donor’s immunity, as their body will continue to produce antibodies.