Dr. Rodney Borger and Dr. Troy Pennington speak at 5/1/20 Press Conference

Dr. Rodney Borger and Dr. Troy Pennington from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center spoke during a San Bernardino County Press Conference on May 1, 2020. 

Dr. Borger described the process of serology – or antibody – testing at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. When a blood sample is tested for COVID-19 antibodies it is a different test from the one used to diagnose COVID-19. Antibodies are part of the immune system. They develop in response to infections such as coronavirus and stay in the blood even after the infection is over. This test can’t tell you if you have an active infection or not. Potential risks of the test include possible discomfort that can happen during sample collection, which is a small prick on the finger to draw a few drops of blood. Another risk is a possible inaccurate test result. Potential benefits include that the results, along with other information, can help a healthcare provider make recommendations about your care.

The results may also help public health professionals better understand how the disease is spreading in San Bernardino County and if immunity for the virus is developed after people recover from an infection.

Dr. Pennington described how our local hospitals currently have capacity and as more data comes in they will re-evaluate the model about every 7 days.

In the meantime, it is important that those citizens with pressing health care needs seek care at their local hospitals.

Postponing or neglecting your health care can have short and long-term detrimental effects on your health. Stay healthy during this pandemic.

Hospitals are vigilant in safety protocols that eliminate any commingling between COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients — ensuring patient safety.

Dr. Pennington thanked local residents for practicing physical distancing, hand hygiene and wearing face coverings. All of these actions have helped flatten the curve and put us in a better position as a community.