Aria Diagnostics Begins COVID Antibody Testing

(Photo Provided/Aria Diagnostics)

Carmel-based Aria Diagnostics has secured an FDA-approved test for antibody testing for COVID-19. The company says the antibody test is the next step in fighting the virus that causes the disease.

“The SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay can provide a broader picture of the SARS-Co-2 virus, such that if someone has been previously infected with the virus, it can show up in the body long after the initial infection,” said Zak Khan, CoFounder of Aria Diagnostic Laboratories. “This knowledge will help in making decisions as to when and how to go back to work, school, etc. – a key piece of the puzzle for reopening our economy,” said Khan.

Aria says the test finds antibodies, which are proteins the body produces in late infection stages, which can remain for months or years after recovery. The company says the Abbott-designed antibody test is currently the only FDA approved automated test.

Aria has already unveiled a web portal to allow people wanting to be tested to get an appointment for testing. Drive-up testing sites have been established at Aria Laboratories and Northview Church in Carmel.

“A sample of your blood is taken and loaded into a special instrument that detects whether IgG antibodies to the SARS-Co-2 virus are present in the blood sample,’’ said Khan. “The instrument can provide up to 100-200 tests per hour.”

Khan says test results are returned via email within two days.