After nearly a month of intensive efforts by Chester County Government to overcome restrictions imposed for antibody testing, the county confirms it is now able to begin point-of-contact testing for essential-function individuals who are on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis in Chester County.

The antibody testing, in the form of a simple pin-prick test kit manufactured by Advaite of Chester Springs, will now begin for Chester County’s first responders and healthcare workers and all members of their households.

“We have been investigating every option open to us to try and get ahead of the coronavirus, and we know that determining who has developed antibodies will be extremely useful in helping us make informed decisions on the way to physical, emotional, and economic recovery,” said Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz. “That’s why we researched the best options available, followed federal and state guidelines, and subsequently purchased tens of thousands of antibody test kits from a manufacturer based right here in Chester County.

“But permission to actually conduct the testing met with roadblocks from the PA Department of Health because of regulatory issues. So instead of channeling our efforts into getting the tests up and running, we have had to focus our energy on overcoming the red tape.”

Chester County has contracted with Bethlehem-based Lehigh Valley Genomics, a laboratory that holds the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certificate to perform high-complexity testing, which is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Although the pin-prick antibody test can be easily administered by qualified healthcare personnel, with results available in 15 minutes, the state’s Department of Health currently requires the monitoring of the test by a CLIA laboratory.

Chester County is the first county in the commonwealth to undertake antibody testing.

“The antibody test kits are supplemental to the nasal swab coronavirus testing that is happening and will continue to happen in partnership with our healthcare systems,” said Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline.  “This is not a replacement test for confirming cases but is another crucial tool that will help us respond to emergencies, treat patients, and care for our older loved ones.

“If this provides us with results we are expecting, we hope to be able to expand antibody testing to additional priority level tiers, to help us manage this crisis. It also will give us more information as we plan and prepare for the safe re-opening of Chester County.”

The full-scale antibody testing begins today and will be based at two locations: the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in South Coatesville and at Longwood Gardens. Testing is by appointment only through an online registration system and is open to all first responders, healthcare workers, and their household members. Details of the online registration system is being shared via contacts in the first responder, hospital and healthcare, and long-term care facility communities.

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