Chesco Begins Coronavirus Antibody Testing For Essential Workers

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County will begin antibody coronavirus testing for essential workers, including healthcare and emergency management staff, officials announced on Monday. The tests determine individuals who have developed antibodies to coronavirus after being infected, and thus possibly have additional protection against it.

By determining which essential workers have antibodies, officials have more information at their disposal when determining who to send where. Chester County is the first county in Pennsylvania to employ this procedure.

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“As we review the results of the antibody blood tests, we will work with first responders, hospitals and long-term care facilities to determine how the results can best be used to manage this crisis," Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline said.

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Importantly, the antibody tests are not a replacement for ongoing coronavirus testing of county residents. This is a separate, supplemental step designed to help the county improve its emergency response and potentially mitigate the spread of the viru.s

The county moved quickly on this, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration just approved the first antibody test late last week. The county obtained 10,000 kits containing the pin-prick blood tests from a Chester County-based company, Advaite. They're expecting 10,000 more next week.

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Test results are available within 15 minutes after being administered.

"It is our intention to continue sourcing more of the blood test kits," Kichline added. "The more we have, the more people we can test to get a fuller picture of how many have had COVID-19 in Chester County, either knowingly or unknowingly."

First responders, healthcare workers, and staff at long-term care facilities will be the top priority for testing, officials said. In addition, staff and inmates at Chester County Prison will be tested.

Administration of the tests will not require the usage of personal protective equipment, officials said.

The news comes as the county's case total rose to 304 on Monday afternoon. Thus far, Chester County has recorded three deaths.

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