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Bowser Administration to Showcase COVID-19 Antibody Testing at Navy Yard Serology Testing Site

Monday, June 15, 2020

Washington, DC – On Tuesday, June 16, at 1 pm., members of the press are invited to tour the District’s Navy Yard Serology Testing Site, where the DC Department of Health (DC Health), in partnership with the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) Public Health Lab (PHL), is offering free serology screenings, also called antibody tests. A serology screening is a blood test that determines if someone has previously been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Individuals interested in getting a serology test should call 1-855-363-0333 to register for testing (must be at least six years old and a DC resident). The testing site is open Monday – Friday, from 9 am – 3 pm.

Who:

District Officials

When:

Tuesday, June 16, at 1 pm

Where:

DC Health Serology Testing Site
Canal Park
200 L Street, SE
*Closest Metro Station: Navy Yard-Ballpark Station*

All reporters and other media interested in attending the event are required to RSVP to [email protected].

BACKGROUND:

Serology tests are intended for persons who are not currently experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, but want to know if they were previously exposed to the virus. A positive result for antibodies does not necessarily indicate immunity, and residents should continue to follow the District’s social distancing and face covering guidance.

Testing results will be mailed by DC Health to all serology screening participants. Test results will be used for public health surveillance and are designed to estimate the percentage of the District’s population previously exposed to the virus.

Healthcare providers can continue to order an antibody test for their patients and report results via the Notifiable Disease and Condition Case Report Form for each patient on the DC Health Infectious Disease website.

Serology tests should not be used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection or infer immune status to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Serologic testing is not diagnostic and should not be used to make decisions for isolation, treatment, or employee furloughing.

DC Health is also conducting a serology survey for vulnerable populations with District healthcare providers serving as clinical partners by offering testing to eligible patients. The survey is intended for individuals with a high-risk of exposure including healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers, and individuals living in congregate settings, as well as the pediatric population.

For more information on COVID-19 and the District’s response, visit: coronavirus.dc.gov.