MILWAUKEE — COVID-19 rapid antibody testing is now available at Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market pharmacy locations, grocery chain Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. announced Thursday.

The FDA-authorized rapid antibody tests are conducted by using a finger-prick blood sample to help inform patients if they have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

The tests, which are supplied by Whitmire Medical, are available at Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market pharmacy locations for $25 and typically provide results within 15 minutes. Individuals who believe they may have previously been infected with COVID-19 and are not currently experiencing symptoms are eligible for the test. 

Kroger Health's rapid antibody test could provide critical information about past infection to patients who believe they may have been exposed to the coronavirus but were unable to access testing at the time of infection, Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. said.

“We are excited for our Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market pharmacy teams to work with Kroger Health to provide rapid antibody testing for the communities we serve,” said Stacy Doyle, VP Pharmacy for Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. “Making rapid antibody testing available 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.”

The test should not be used to diagnose an active infection, as the test only detects antibodies developed in response to the virus, not the virus itself. It was first authorized by the FDA for emergency use in July and further authorized for broader point-of-care use in September.

Pick ‘n Save operates 94 stores throughout the state of Wisconsin and Metro Market operates 12 stores.

Testing is now available and interested community members can register for the rapid antibody test at: www.picknsave.com/antibody.