Dr. Hinshaw talked today in her COVID-19 update about serological testing. This is antibody testing that shows if a person has the presence of antibodies. A positive test indicates that a person contracted COVID-19 in the past. 

As of right now, research is inconclusive if the presence of these antibodies will prevent re-infection of the virus or for how long they might provide immunity. Not all antibodies protect from re-infection or remain at the same levels overtime.

Alberta's provincial laboratory is working on validating a number of different types of serology tests and is in the final phases. This will be used when available to determine the proportion of Albertans who have been exposed to COVID-19. More information will be shared on serology tests when available.

Dr. Hinshaw warns Albertans to be very cautious of products advertised as at-home serology tests. She says that they may produce false results, whether positive or negative. 

Alberta’s focus remains on testing for active infections. This is molecular testing using a nose or throat swab. Dr. Hinshaw reminds Albertans that this is available to anyone in the province and encourages people to participate in this population testing.  

There has been slow steady rise in the number of tests being done. Out of almost 5,000 tests done today, there were just nineteen new cases, which confirms that our numbers are remaining low.