Kroger Health launches COVID-19 rapid antibody testing at pharmacy locations

Kroger Health announced Wednesday the launch of rapid antibody COVID-19 testing at its California (Ralphs) and Michigan pharmacies. According to the company, the rapid antibody testing joins the COVID-19 diagnostic tests already offered at its Little Clinical locations and at home. The tests–which use a finger-prick blood sample–will be in all Kroger pharmacies and clinics by the end of November. The tests are available for $25 and provide results within about 15 minutes. Individuals who think they may have been previously infected with COVID-19 and are not currently experiencing symptoms can be tested. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kroger Heath has remained committed to helping people live healthier lives by offering in-clinic and at-home COVID-19 testing solutions supported by our multi-disciplinary team of licensed, trained and experienced health care providers,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. “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, but also help clinicians understand the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and potential public health strategies for fighting the disease.” Kroger Health’s rapid antibody tests are conducted using the Assure COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device, a rapid lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.