Hy-Vee to offer COVID-19 rapid antibody testing

(WAND) - Hy-Vee is set to start offering COVID-19 rapid antibody testing beginning on Jan. 18.

The company announced the testing will be available at over 250 Hy-Vee pharmacy locations starting on that date. Same day results will be available in as few as 15 minutes after the test is complete.

The test is for patients who want to learn if they were previously infected with COVID-19. Patients must not be currently experiencing symptoms.

In the test, a finger stick collects a small blood sample, which a trained Hy-Vee Pharmacy team member administers. Results are then sent to patients by email.

The test can't show if a person has a current COVID-19 infection, Hy-Vee said, because it can take one to three weeks for the body to produce antibodies. It can't be used to diagnose a current infection.

People can register ahead of time by clicking here and selecting "antibody test" to set up a time and location. They will receive a test voucher.

Testing will be done in the Hy-Vee pharmacy. The test carries a $25 cost, and patients will pay when they arrive at the pharmacy.

It can be purchased with any form of payment, including health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).

Children six years and older can be tested if they are registered and with a parent or guardian. All patients must wear masks during the testing process.

Hy-Vee said it is continuing to offer free COVID-19 lab testing for those who want to know if they have a current infection. This is available outside of over 180 pharmacy locations in coordination with eTrueNorth. Results for lab tests can usually be received in three to five business days.

Rapid antigen testing is available in an outside, drive-thru testing process at 59 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations, the company added.

The full list of Illinois testing sites, which includes one in Springfield, is below: