Baton Rouge General Offering COVID-19 Antibody Testing

BATON ROUGE, La. – Baton Rouge General (BRG) has announced that it will offer COVID-19 antibody testing at two BRG Express Care locations, beginning tomorrow. Antibody testing determines if you’ve developed antibodies against the novel coronavirus after being infected, even if you had very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

There are many different types of antibody tests available, but BRG is using the COR2G serology test developed by Mayo Clinic. After a small blood draw, the sample will be sent to the Mayo Clinic Laboratory to analyze for the presence of antibodies, which are specific proteins made in response to infections. A BRG provider will call with results within 48 hours.

Antibody testing is best for those who experienced symptoms of COVID-19. Antibodies develop between eight and 14 days after the onset of symptoms, so it’s best to wait at least 10 days after initial symptom onset or 10 days after a known exposure to COVID-19 to be tested for the most accurate result.

While the CARES Act contains a requirement for insurance providers to provide coverage for antibody testing, CMS has not yet finalized those details. In the meantime, patients can directly pay for a test for $100 at two of BRG’s Express Care locations:

• BRG Express Care - Highland Village
  4410 Highland Road
  Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  (225) 831-4025
• BRG Express Care - Dutchtown
  13201 Highway 73, Suite 102
  Geismar, LA 70734
  (225) 673-2088

For more information, click here.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General serves as an affiliate of Tulane University School of Medicine, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.

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