Coronavirus Antibody Testing Offered At Lab In Orland Park

ORLAND PARK, IL — A laboratory in Orland Park is now offering coronavirus antibody testing on site, and last Friday it opened the testing to the public. Dr. Ebonie Gist, owner of ARCpoint Labs near 179th and Wolf, said the lab first began testing first responders for antibodies and is now offering the test to the public via remote scheduling.

"So far, we've had an enormous response," Gist said. "Since we've opened this to the public, we've seen an influx of people who are truly concerned."

The test offered at ARCpoint does not determine directly whether or not the person tested has the new coronavirus, but can tell if the antibodies commonly used to fight the virus are present within their bodies.

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Specifically, the test looks for the IgM and IgG antibodies. IgM is the body's first response to fighting a viral infection like the new coronavirus, while IgG is produced to help fight the virus when IgM is overwhelmed, Gist said.

"The test is modeled after the one for SARS and shows whether IgM, IgG, both or neither are being used," she said.

The test, which costs $55 and is held at a site just east of the lab at 11006 W. 179th St., involves taking a small blood sample from a finger on a person's non-dominant hand.

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Since the test is modeled after the one used for SARS, Gist says the antibodies that show up could be a result of that disease, but because of the "prevalence of COVID-19" in the current world, Gist says that "the chances of it being something else are minimal."

Gist said about 45 tests have been performed since the test was opened to the public, with nearly another 100 already scheduled. They are booked through the end of the week, and priority tests will remain available for first responders.

Appointments are taken over the phone, with a social media scheduling tool in the works, Gist said.

"We have already seen a tremendous outpour from the community but we know there are so many more that could benefit from this testing," Gist said.

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