Does this test only show a current, active infection (even asymptomatic) or would it show that the person HAD COVID-19 at some point in the past, because he/she has the antibodies? It's not clear from the article.

Are they doing antibody testing also at the fairrounds?

Why would someone without symptoms be tested? I guess there is no shortage of text kits.

I have a family member who got tested because they are around other family of ours who have compromised immunities, are older, or have underlying conditions (depending on the family member).

Is it a nose swab test? How accurate is this? If positive, does this mean I currently have it or does this mean I had it in the past?

For those asking, this appears to be either a nose or mouth swab test for active infection of COVID. From what I understand the antibody tests are done with blood which would likely need to be done in a more controlled environment.

With the vast amount of a-symptomatic carriers the news reports, this is great news so people can have peace of mind to visit elderly and at-risk family members

Broad community testing is necessary to get more accurate information on the rate and spread of infection. As stated earlier this is what is required to help control the pandemic. Everyone should get tested and they may need to be tested multiple times during the course of the pandemic.

Heads up - I called Kaiser P. as my health insurance and they said that since Stanford Valley Care is still billing, you may be charged without a KP Physician's Order. Can anyone confirm if they would waive the cost for any insurance or it is just billing at a later time?

The free test that is being performed at the fairgrounds is a nasal swab that tests for the presence of the virus. If positive, you are contagious and regardless of how you feel, you should self isolate for at least 14 days. The “antibody” test is a blood test to see if you have neutralizing antibodies. If positive, this is an indication that you are or were infected. If a large enough percentage of a community were to be positive for antibodies, a collective “herd immunity” could be achieved and opening up would be less risk to wide spread disease transmission.

Does anyone know what the average wait time is?

We went last week. Got there about 9:20 and were the only ones there. No wait at all.
The results were available the next day. Negative for us both.

Good Questions Here:

My question:
Are the people doing the swabs on the people arriving for the test, changing PPE in-between each person swabbed?

If not, isn't it possible they would be contaminating new arrivals???

@ Michael Austin, I was thinking of the same thing.

We drove over to the fairgrounds this morning.
We arrived at 1000 hours, we were tested at 1130 hours.
The medical personal doing the swabs, changed their PPE after every swab.
When we left the line of cars was three times the line when we arrived.

I called KP billing department. They said as long as the test is done by a licensed healthcare provider, KP will cover the cost. Can anyone who already did confirm?

JW,

Person on the KP help desk told me KP would not cover the cost but said she wasn't sure. Not very helpful, I know.