Canadian Manufacturing

Ichor Blood Services launches quantitative COVID-19 spike protein antibody test

by CM Staff   

Manufacturing Research & Development


The company's latest test offering will help clients confirm vaccine effectiveness and quantify antibody levels

Ichor is an Alberta based, private lab specimen collection company that provides private asymptomatic Covid-19 testing in Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick, offers embassy approved tests for travel to China, and is also a referred test provider for Air Canada’s Hawaii travel program. The company’s corporate client base also continues to grow as the need for Covid-19 testing is anticipated to extend well into 2021. (CNW Group/Ichor Blood Services)

CALGARY, Alta. — Ichor Blood Services has added quantitative COVID-19 spike protein antibody testing from the Mayo Clinic to its portfolio of privately available tests in Canada. The newly available test provides a score on a scale from 0 to 250 U/ml (units per milliliter), which differs from the current qualitative testing that only provides a positive or negative result.

Although there is not enough data available to date for the scientific community to agree on what antibody levels should result in adequate protection against the COVID-19 virus, Ichor will be able to provide its clients with quantitative information about their antibody levels relative to population averages over time.

“We strive to anticipate client demand in a rapidly changing market, and we believe this will be the next significant COVID-19 test requested,” said Mike Kuzmickas, CEO of Ichor, in a statement. “The opportunity to offer this FDA EUA approved test from an organization like the Mayo Clinic is tremendous for our organization and our clients here in Canada.”

The test purchased through Ichor costs $120 CAD + tax, which includes shipping of samples to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Blood samples will be collected, processed, and frozen by Ichor, and shipped to the main lab in Minnesota on a weekly basis to be tested and resulted. Ichor is the only company offering this test from the Mayo Clinic in Canada at the present time.

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“It is easy to see a test like this becoming the new standard for international travel, along with a negative test, versus just requiring proof of vaccine,” added Kuzmickas. “With vaccine effectiveness sitting under 90% against the Delta variant, a quantitative antibody test is an excellent way to provide peace of mind to those that have been vaccinated but are still worried if they are protected.”

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