UMC to begin free COVID-19 antibody testing for first responders

LUBBOCK, Texas (PRESS RELEASE) — The following is a press release from University Medical Center:

UMC is providing free antibody testing to area first responders, providing them with an
opportunity to determine if they have been exposed to COVID-19, the disease caused by
the novel coronavirus.

About the test

Antibody tests are different than molecular tests used to identify if a person is currently
infected with COVID-19. Instead, they help determine if someone has been infected and
recovered.

When an individual gets an infection, their immune system produces proteins called
antibodies in response to the infection. They are found in the liquid part of blood and
specimens may remain for several months after an individual has recovered.

Detecting these antibodies helps determine if a person was previously infected with the
virus that causes COVID-19. This in turn will help determine what percentage of the
healthcare and first responder populations have been exposed to the virus.

“While citizens throughout the country have had to stay at home, health care, EMS, fire
and law enforcement professionals have remained on the front lines—working around the
clock to ensure the health and safety of communities,” said Thomas Moore, Director of
UMC EMS. “It’s our privilege to serve our community, and we embrace the importance
of showing up every day, prepared to face whatever may come.”

Early antibody test results for UMC EMS personnel indicate the personal protective
equipment (PPE) worn by our providers has been effective in prevent the spread of COVID-19. This would not be possible without the help of community UMC Heroes who
have donated PPE to us!

Agencies that can receive the test: