Houston lab mass-processes FDA-approved COVID antibody test

A Phlebotomist draws blood from a patient for COVID-19 antibody testing at Principle Health Systems and SynerGene Laboratory Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. The company, which opened two new testing sites Tuesday, is now offering a new COVID-19 antibody test developed by Abbott Laboratories. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

by: JOHN L. MONE

Posted: Apr 29, 2020 / 09:01 AM CDT

Updated: Apr 29, 2020 / 09:01 AM CDT

HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston medical diagnostic lab is now capable of testing thousands of blood samples for coronavirus antibodies.

SynerGene Laboratories, a facility owned by Principle Health Systems, is offering a COVID-19 test developed by pharmaceuticals giant, Abbott Laboratories. It tests for antibodies for the novel coronavirus and can can detect whether a person has been exposed.

Principle CEO James Dieter says the test is different from others because it’s been approved the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has so far authorized only four tests. Dozens of other tests are being marketed nationwide without FDA authorization.