It looks like this test is live now in Houston. I mentioned that I was sick so I've signed up for one ($153) and will be going to a nearby Quest Diagnostics lab in the next couple of days. https://www.healthlabs.com/covid-19-antibody-test
The issue with this test is that the true purpose is meant to tell you if you had a previous infection with the virus.If you currently have symptoms the IgM antibody might not even show up as you can be in the "window period". The gold standard for real time detection is the PCR test which is not as readily available. The most interesting thing to me is how much these labs/urgent cares are charging for the testing. I'm on the board of a larger hospital and these Abbott tests cost us about $6/piece and we offer free testing for employees. It's a crazy profitable business model these testing sites are using at this time. Surprised no one is calling them out on it.
Good preliminary news coming (apparently) : Gilead Remdesivir Trial for Covid-19 Has Met Primary Endpoint https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...or-covid-19-has-met-primary-endpoint-k9lbot69
Potential coronavirus vaccine being tested in Germany could 'supply millions' by end of year https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/29/europe/germany-pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-test-intl/index.html
Harris County will no longer waive tolls starting today btw. https://www.khou.com/article/news/l...sday/285-95c49a6f-714d-4150-bcec-5743412b498b
I ain't opening my restaurant. It seems like a futile effort. I can't wait for these people to start writing yelp reviews of how they had to eat steak on a paper plate.
To clarify, we buy it from Abbott for $6/test. The PCR test is about $30-40 to buy from the manufacturer, but harder to acquire.
I thought about if my employer would offer the antibody test to employees and I can't see it happening. We are already struggling like hell (O&G services) so I can't see them taking on that extra cost burden.
