LA City Councilmember Curren Price Presents GUARDaHEART Foundation No Cost COVID-19 Antibody Testing

The No Cost COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 Serology Antibody Testing Community Event in South Los Angeles

• No Cost COVID-19 Antibody Testing Event for South LA Neighbors starting on Oct. 13 through Oct. 15

• Prueba de anticuerpos COVID-19 sin costo a partir del 13 de octubre hasta el 15 de octubre

Los Angeles, Oct 13, 2020 (Issuewire.com) - Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price is proud to partner with the GUARDaHEART Foundation to provide South LA residents NO Cost COVID-19 antibody testing starting on Oct. 13 through Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at his District Office 4301 S. Central Ave. Los Angeles.

The antibody test is a serum blood test that detects the body's immune response to the infection caused by the COVID-19 virus. This opportunity is for asymptomatic (not exhibiting any signs or symptoms of active infection) patients only or patients who suspect they may have come in contact with the virus or experienced symptoms weeks or months ago but were never tested. A positive antibody result means you have developed an immune response to COVID-19 and suggests an individual has developed some level of immunity.

“Keeping our neighbors safe and informed, as well as providing the necessary resources our families need is critical for survival during this time,” said Councilmember Price. “Our biggest push in the fight against the coronavirus has been in securing COVID-19 testing centers in our community, but that’s not enough. It’s equally important that we offer antibody testing because if it comes back positive then we know for a fact that an individual has built a certain immunity, is at less risk of getting infected and will be in a better position to fight it.”

The COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 serology antibody tests are covered under the CARES Act and will be available to the District 9 community with or without insurance. Anyone can receive the COVID-19 serology antibody test at no cost as long as they are asymptomatic (not exhibiting any signs or symptoms of active infection). Individuals under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

The SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing being provided is one of the most reliable antibody tests available. It has a sensitivity of 100 percent and a specificity of 99.6 percent performance evaluations. This COVID-19 antibody blood test can be used to detect the presence of an IgM & IgG antibody response and could be a critical next step in battling COVID-19, continuing to flatten the curve and ensuring a safe re-opening of the community.

Amid this unprecedented crisis, GUARDaHEART Foundation is working with communities across Los Angeles to offer no-cost antibody testing. There are many people that don’t understand the difference between COVID-19 swab test and the SARS-CoV-2 antibody test. Some of the most significant issues related to coronavirus infection involve the cardiovascular system.

This is an important opportunity to educate the public of these varied tests and to understand the relationship of coronavirus infection and heart disease states Dr. Douglas S. Harrington M.D., Fellow of the American Society of Preventive Cardiology, and the American Society of Clinical Pathology, an expert in laboratory diagnostic testing. Dr. Harrington is also the Chairman of the GUARDaHEART Foundation 501(c)3.

There are four ways to register for the No Cost COVID-19 Antibody Test in South LA: 1. Registration link https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ea398946b8c5401a89b0a7e0b59c622b 2. GUARDaHEART Foundation website www.GuardaHeart.org 3. For individuals without access to the Internet or who need assistance in Spanish, call (866) 299-8998 4. Walk-ups are welcome on the day of the event, but please be prepared to wait.