Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman said the KDHE is now certifying the process to use antibody testing at the state labs.
Before now, antibody tests have not been specific for COVID-19, and the tests formerly gave a positive result for the common cold as well as COVID-19. Dr. Norman made his remarks at a news conference Thursday sponsored by the University of Kansas Health System.
According to Dr. Norman, those who tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies could think they are immune, and he said that has not been proven. He also said the antibody test is not a diagnostic test. He also planned to testify about the importance of contact tracing.
Dr. Rachael Liesman, director of microbiology at the KU Health System, said the health system is about two weeks away from being ready for antibody testing. She said the current PCR, or nasal swab, is still the best way to diagnose COVID-19 and said it’s still to be determined how antibody testing will fit in.
Rick Couldry, vice president of pharmacy and health professions at KU Health System, said he expects antibody testing will be widely available. He didn’t think it’s suited for drive-through testing like the nasal swab, since it will require a finger prick or a blood draw, which is best done in a lab. He also explained how the labs, clinics and the outpatient pharmacy have changed to become much safer for patients.
The University of Kansas Health System on Thursday morning saw a slight decrease in the number of COVID-19 patients, with 13 patients are being treated for the virus, down from 16 Wednesday. There were three COVID-19 patients on ventilators. All patients have been moved to one unit, so there are none in the intensive care unit.