HOBOKEN TO OPEN ANTIBODY TESTS TO RESIDENTS

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced that the City of Hoboken will open an antibody testing site to Hoboken residents starting on Wednesday, May 20th, 2020 from 9am until 5pm. Thanks to a partnership with Prompt MD and Power Analytics, residents will have access to rapid antibody tests that provide results within 10 minutes. The testing site, located at the gymnasium at 601 Jackson Street, will become one of the first rapid, antibody testing sites in the State of New Jersey. The testing site will have the capacity to test over 750 Hoboken residents on Wednesday, and will also be open on Wednesday, May 27 and Friday, May 29, with additional dates to be provided for June.

Residents must register online at http://www.hobokennj.gov/antibody in order to receive a test and will be sent an appointment time. Walk-ins will not be permitted. The City of Hoboken will pay for the cost of a test for any Hoboken resident who does not have health insurance.

The Boditech’s AFIAS Rapid COVID-19 Antibody Tests offered at the Hoboken site tests individuals for IgG, which indicates whether or not an individual had COVID-19 in the past. Unlike certain other antibody tests, the Boditech rapid tests also tests levels of IgM, the first antibody to appear in the response to initial exposure, which would indicate a current infection to COVID-19. If an antibody test comes back positive for either IgG or IgM, the individual should not assume he or she has full immunity to COVID-19, and continue to take precautions including social distancing.

“I’m extremely thrilled that Hoboken residents now have access to antibody tests,” said Mayor Bhalla. “The pilot launch last week was a success, with over 250 people tested for antibodies and receiving rapid results. Not only does this test offered at our Hoboken site let people know whether they have antibodies from a previous COVID-19 infection, but also whether they have antibodies built up from a current infection. Making this test available to all Hoboken residents who want it will provide us with important data as we begin to plan for a safe re-opening for our region. Thank you again to Dr. Islam from Prompt MD and Keith Barksdale from Power Analytics for making this testing possible for our mile square.”

“Providing antibody testing for everyone who needs it will help give Hoboken the tools it needs to keep everyone safe,” said Council President Jen Giattino. “I am pleased to support this increase in testing and extend my thanks to Dr. Islam and Power Analytics for providing this service to our residents.”

“Everyone should have access to high level quality healthcare,” said Dr. Javed Islam from Prompt MD. “Our partnership with the City of Hoboken, Mayor Bhalla, and Power Analytics will set a new standard of care in the State of New Jersey to patients impacted by Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Nothing about this Covid-19 virus is simple, not the diagnosis, not the daily care, and not the long-term economic impact,” said Keith Barksdale, Chairman of Power Analytics. “However, we believe our point of care accurate rapid testing platform with real-time data analysis could be the tip of the spear to conquering this global problem. We are proud of Mayor Bhalla’s vision to allow the City of Hoboken to partner with PromptMD, Boditech, and Power Analytics for Hoboken to become the standard for every City in the United States to provide Covid-19 Antibody testing with Real-time data certification to every resident.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic is consuming significant medical supplies and resources whereas our innovative AFIAS platform only requires a fingerstick of a blood sample with results in 10 minutes, thus eliminating a need to use a swab and other related materials that are in short supply,” said Adam Choe, president and CEO, Immunostics, Inc. Boditech USA. “The AFIAS antibody test offers rapid results and is easy to operate by anyone, which enables it to be deployed wherever COVID-19 tests are required in Hoboken, NJ.”

Last week, the City, Prompt MD, and Power Analytics launched the pilot testing site which tested over 250 first responders and frontline workers for antibodies. Those who were tested were provided with results on site or through text later in the day. Two individuals tested positive for IgM, indicating current exposure to COVID-19 and were provided with medical advice to self-quarantine.

The Boditech AFIAS Rapid COVID-19 Antibody Test is currently certified for all of Europe and is currently used in 15 different countries and has been presented to the FDA for approval. According to the manufacturer, in clinical trials, the test provides over 96.6% sensitivity and specificity, higher than required by the FDA. The test utilizes blood from a finger prick, as opposed to drawing blood.

Residents can also access the link to register for the COVID-19 test by visiting https://promptmd-covid-19-may-20.poweranalytics.com/pre-register.