CLEVELAND — University Hospitals has just announced it will be taking a major step in furthering coronavirus research.
The Cleveland-based hospital system says it will begin testing first responders and front line workers for the antibodies that make up SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. UH officials say testing theses group will yield the best results due to their close contact with infected patients.
"Our commitment to the health and safety of our caregivers, including our EMS and public safety community, has been unwavering,” COO Eric Beck said in a statement. "Offering this antibody testing to this at-risk population is another way we can help keep them informed and empowered to continue to care for our community."
Testing will include individuals in the following categories:
- Had no symptoms of COVID-19 and weren’t tested for the disease
- Had symptoms of COVID-19 and weren’t tested for the disease
- Tested negative for COVID-19
- Tested positive for COVID-19
The presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the bloodstream indicates that an individual has been exposed to coronavirus. However, lack of antibodies do not necessarily mean a person hasn’t contracted the disease, just that their immune system did not mount enough of a response to detect the virus.
It is hoped that the presence of antibodies could potentially mean some patients will not be able to get the virus again (at least for a period of time) and be able to return to a more "normal" life, although the World Health Organization has said there is no evidence of that just yet. In addition, the accuracy of some antibody tests has been questioned.
Regardless, UH hopes the results obtained from the study will help to increase current understanding of the coronavirus, testing methods, and the hospital's response to the pandemic. For more information, click here.