COVID-19 Antibody Testing Made Available At Skokie Mariano's

SKOKIE, IL — COVID-19 antibody tests are now available at pharmacies inside Mariano's stores, including the location at 3358 W. Touhy Ave. in Skokie. The tests can provide critical information about past coronavirus infections to people who may have been exposed to the virus but never received a positive test result at the time of their potential infection.

The service is now available at Kroger's Family of Pharmacies in all states, according to a news release from Kroger Health. Individuals who think they were infected with COVID-19 but are not currently experiencing symptoms are eligible.

The tests, which are supplied by Whitmire Medical, are available to customers for $25. The fingerstick blood sample tests are conducted by licensed health professionals, and results are usually available with 15 minutes, according to the company.

Kroger is the first retailer to offer the rapid antibody testing since the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the first COVID-19 point-of-care serology test in September.

Research is underway to determine how long antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain following an infection — and what protective immunity their presence might provide.

Kroger Health President Colleen Lindholz said the company was committed to offering a range of coronavirus testing options supported by a team of healthcare providers.

"Making rapid antibody testing available across our family of pharmacies will not only provide an affordable and convenient testing solution for individuals who want to understand if they have previously been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19," Lindholz said, "but also help clinicians understand the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and potential public health strategies for fighting the disease."

Tests are available by appointment, which can be made online. Find a Kroger's pharmacy at a Mariano's store near you.