GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As America moves through phases of reopening, an increase in COVID-19 testing has largely contributed to the ability for the population to return to a sense of normalcy. Ongoing research will be paramount for the country to maintain the path to a fully operating economy and to prepare for any subsequent waves of infection. In addition to testing for the presence of COVID-19 with PCR tests, now that many have suffered from COVID-19, antibody testing is becoming more critical in compiling accurate data for a wider understanding of the virus. That’s why Vessel Medical, a provider of medical workflow solutions, supplies, and equipment, dedicated to providing testing kits and medical supplies needed for battling COVID-19, is now increasing access to quality SARS-CoV-2 rapid antibody test kits throughout the US.
Granted emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vessel Medical’s antibody test kits are available to be shipped nationwide for detection of COVID-19 Immunoglobulin G and Immunoglobulin M (IgG/IgM) antibodies. The test kits are developed for sample collection via a finger prick in which blood is then placed on a cartridge that will provide easy to read results in under 15 minutes. Results of this serological test determine if there is a presence of antibodies in the patient sample, indicating that the patient had a past infection with the COVID-19 virus and could potentially be immune to reinfection - Antibodies are disease specific proteins that usually help to fight off infections and provide protection against getting that same disease again (immunity).
“We are determined in doing our part for opening up America again and will continue meeting COVID-19 head-on by providing solutions to the latest testing demands,” said Kevin Murdock, founder of Vessel Medical.
Aside from determining potential immunity from a reinfection of COVID-19, the other benefits to receiving antibody testing are:
- To help in developing a vaccine for COVID-19
- To help provide researchers and healthcare professionals further understanding of COVID-19
- To determine a patient’s ability to donate antibody-rich plasma which can be used in convalescent plasma therapy, potentially helping other patients overcome COVID-19
- To help guide doctors in providing the correct clinical care for specific patient needs
In their efforts to fight against COVID-19, Vessel Medical also recently launched a program specifically designed for returning employees safely to work. The program, MDHealthPro Opening Up America Again developed with leading laboratory, Premier Medical Laboratory Services, equips businesses with the latest in safety, monitoring, and testing for COVID-19. Along with the introduction of this program to provide safety solutions, Vessel Medical donated thousands of N95 masks to hospital systems, fire departments, and police departments throughout South Carolina, where they are headquartered.
Hospitals and physicians offices can order antibody tests today by visiting www.vesselmedical.com or calling 1.866.451.6337.
About Vessel Medical:
Vessel Medical, since its inception in 1991, has been committed to providing physician’s offices, hospitals, laboratories and their employees with the right workflow solutions, medical supplies, and medical equipment for their needs. Headquartered in Greenville, SC, Vessel offers a complete line of laboratory equipment, medical supplies, flu vaccines, paper/disposables, injectables, and patient care supplies from the top brands such as Pro Advantage, Kimberly-Clark, Quidel, Procare, 3M, Hemosense, BinaxNow, Bayer/Seimens, and Hypoguard at discount and bulk rates. For more information about Vessel Medical, please call 866.451.MEDS (6337) or visit www.vesselmedical.com.
