National Guard Recognizes WMCHealth Workforce for Antibody Testing at Westchester County Center

VALHALLA, N.Y. (June 16, 2020) –  National Guard Troop Bravo Company Joint Task Force Two recognized more than 50 Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) workforce members in a special, surprise ceremony for their dedication and skill in developing and directing a temporary COVID-19 antibody testing operation at the Westchester County Center. WMCHealth has collected more than 16,000 COVID-19 antibody test specimens in its network-wide program with all specimens processed by Westchester Medical Center's board-certified clinical and anatomic laboratory services, which is located at the hospital.

WMCHealth continues to offer COVID-19 antibody and diagnostic testing to the general public at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, and at other locations around the region, and now offers convenient online appointment scheduling via WMCHealth.org/Testing. Community members requesting an appointment online will be contacted by a WMCHealth representative within 72 hours, and scheduled at one of several convenient locations in the Hudson Valley, including Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla.

Members of the public can also schedule COVID-19 antibody and diagnostic appointments by calling 914.202.4530 Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  WMCHealth representatives will screen callers and assist with the scheduling of appointments. 

Two Types of Testing – Why is Each Important?

A diagnostic test shows if an individual has an active COVID-19 infection, and is intended for individuals preparing for a surgical procedure, as well as for those with symptoms or who may have been exposed to someone with symptoms or confirmed infection.

An antibody test does not take the place of testing for active COVID-19 infection. It is important for members of the public to consider an antibody test as results can play an important role in the fight against COVID-19.  Antibody test results help identify individuals who have been infected by, and then developed antibodies to the coronavirus. Additionally, while the presence of antibodies does not confirm current or future immunity, it allows an individual who tests positive for antibodies to donate convalescent plasma, a resource that can help others as they are treated for COVID-19.  WMCHealth member hospitals, including Westchester Medical Center, are supplying convalescent plasma, as appropriate, as part of COVID-19 treatment regimens. 

For more information about antibody (serology) testing, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Food and Drug Administration website.