re: Apparently just anyone can get tested now

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I thought the Abbott machines just did the testing for currently positive, they do the antibody testing as well? I'm in Shelby County, I know where the testing for currently positive is but don't think I've heard anything about where to go for the antibody test

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They've developed a way to do both on the Abbott machines.

quick google, article from last week

That is just one way to get it done. There are a bunch of companies coming out with them, some better than others.

Just search the internet and call around.

This has been a really disjointed launch. Pretty bad from top to bottom.

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It is pretty unanimous that everyone should get tested. One asymptomatic person getting positive results, isolating, and contact tracing immediately can prevent a small flare up from turning into a massive cluster. That is critical right now.


Yes. This is important for being able to open things up and eventually get to opening all the way up.

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This sounds great written on a message board. If it were doable, it seems like a no brainer. Its just that everything I am reading and hearing is to the effect that we can't do this.

I'm no expert and will defer to those who know more. But I just watched my elderly MIL get tested this morning and saw what was involved with the big swab up the nose and all the PPE that was required. I just can't see getting everyone or anywhere close to everyone being tested. We have almost 5 million people in Alabama. I just can't see this being practical. And it is still a single point in time test.

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Antibody testing is the only thing we need.

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You can get it in BR now. $100. 48 hrs for results.

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This sounds great written on a message board. If it were doable, it seems like a no brainer. Its just that everything I am reading and hearing is to the effect that we can't do this.

I'm no expert and will defer to those who know more. But I just watched my elderly MIL get tested this morning and saw what was involved with the big swab up the nose and all the PPE that was required. I just can't see getting everyone or anywhere close to everyone being tested. We have almost 5 million people in Alabama. I just can't see this being practical. And it is still a single point in time test.

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It is possible and should be done. There are certainly going to be local areas that didn't get enough testing supplies, but that shouldn't be widespread at this point and should be alleviated soon enough. Just listen to local leaders to see where you are.

I know it seems impractical, but it really isn't.

I've been tested twice already because of work (negative both times) and both times it took ~30 minutes for the test and a 30-40 hours for the results. The results should be more rapid now in a lot of places.

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And it is still a single point in time test.

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Yes. And I understand why people think this makes it irrelevant, but it doesn't. It gives a live picture of the current status of the virus to officials and as I said earlier, just finding a handful of asymptomatic positives in a sea of negatives makes this entire thing worth it.

I think the government is overreacting and I think things should open back up. If we want that to happen as fast as possible, testing everyone would be a great way.

A little lagniappe for your negative test is also that it lowers the "% positives" number which is included in the metrics to track the spread and goes into decision making for opening things back up.

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I haven’t seen or heard of anyplace looking for people to get tested for the antibody.

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Call the BR General. They already have the test. No insurance will pay for it but it only costs $100. OLOL should come online with it by week's end, as well.

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I don't understand the need for testing if you don't have any symptoms.

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This. Also, there's no treatment so it's all pointless.