Kroger Health launches COVID-19 antibody tests at pharmacies

Kroger’s healthcare division is rolling out COVID-19 antibody testing to its pharmacies in California and Michigan. Kroger Health said that the rapid antibody testing joins its COVID-19 diagnostic tests being offered at its Little Clinic locations and at home. The test helps patients know if they previously have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

The tests use a finger-prick blood sample to test for antibodies and will be in all Kroger pharmacies and clinics by the end of November, following the rollout in California and Michigan. The tests are available for $25 and can typically provide results in 15 minutes, Kroger Health said. Those who believe they may have been infected with COVID-19 and are not currently experiencing symptoms can be tested. 

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kroger Heath has remained committed to helping people live healthier lives by offering in-clinic and at-home COVID-19 testing solutions supported by our multi-disciplinary team of licensed, trained and experienced healthcare providers," said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. "Making rapid antibody testing available across our family of pharmacies will not only provide an affordable and convenient testing solution for individuals who want to understand if they have previously been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, but also help clinicians understand the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and potential public health strategies for fighting the disease."

Kroger’s antibody tests are conducted using the Assure COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device, which is a rapid lateral flow chromatograph immunoassay, configured like a blood sugar test. The test was first authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration in July, and had approval expanded for broader point-of-care use in September. Kroger is the first retailer to offer it.