Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists to Offer Discounted COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists (PNS) will begin offering COVID-19 antibody testing at various locations throughout Orange County. Testing will be done in-office via blood sample from a finger prick; results will be available in approximately 15 minutes. The service is available for $99 by appointment.

“We are moving from crisis to crisis, suffering one disturbance and shock after another. As your Orange County Psychiatry Provider, we have come to terms that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is part of the new reality. It is understandable people may experience problems adjusting to major life changes or stress, and may experience coronavirus anxiety, worry, or fear. Coping with a new reality is hard for anyone, which is why we are here to help by offering discounted COVID-19 antibody tests and scheduling consultations via Telemed,” noted Dr. Alejandro Alva, Medical Director, PNS.

The COVID-19 antibody blood test determines if your body has already responded to the novel coronavirus or if you have not developed antibodies. PNS will test for both IgG and IgM antibodies. A positive COVID-19 IgG antibody test indicates a person has had COVID-19. IgG antibodies generally develop 1 to 3 weeks after infection and remain in the blood for some period of time after the infection has passed. A positive COVID-19 IgM antibody test also indicates a person has had COVID-19. But given the time course over which IgM antibodies develop, results and interpretation of the results should be discussed with a physician. Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection. If acute infection is suspected, direct testing for SARS-CoV-2 is necessary.

“In addition to offering COVID-19 antibody testing, we have opened up our practice to Spanish speaking clients,” continued Dr. Alva. “Our goal is to improve the quality of lives we touch and be a part of the community in which we serve.”

About Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists:

Based in Orange County, PNS is committed to leading the psychiatric community and sees patients for reasons including: ADD/ADHD, Depression, Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, Medically Assisted Weight Loss, Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Therapy, Medication Management, Anxiety, Psychotherapy & Counseling, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Dementia, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The clinic accepts most PPO Insurances, Medicare, Cal-Optima, Medi-Cal, and direct pay patients.

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