New COVID-19 Semi-quantitative Serology Test Service Launches

New Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics introduced a new COVID-19 testing service on February 24, 2021, that aids in providing insight into an individual's immune response as a result of a recent or prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 or to the immune response observed in connection with COVID-19 vaccination. 

The new Quest Diagnostics test service provides a positive/negative result and a numerical result that may provide the basis for assessing relative changes in antibody blood levels.

The new service can also aid in assessing blood levels of antibodies produced to structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, serology tests can help 'to identify individuals who have developed antibodies that may protect from future infection as well as identify those still at risk.'

"We believe that SARS CoV-2 semi-quantitative serology testing will be an important clinical tool to assess if an individual has mounted an immune response from recent or prior infection or from vaccination," stated Jay G. Wohlgemuth M.D., SVP, and CMO for Quest Diagnostics, in a press release.

"These insights may aid clinical management of certain patients at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease or who may be at risk for vaccination, such as people with a history of severe vaccine allergy or women who are pregnant.

Only a healthcare provider can order a Quest Diagnostics serology antibody test. Assuming a provider places an order for testing, patients may schedule appointments ahead of time through the Quest Diagnostics MyQuest patient portal or at www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States. Our 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives.