NE Valley Times

While testing concerns for the coronavirus continues to be a heated topic of conversation, a private lab in Arizona aims to take things a step further as it possibly secures testing that could let a person know if they’ve had the condition in the past, according to AZ Central.

ARCpoint Labs, which has centers in Scottsdale and Tucson, now offers a special test that could detect if the person was previously (and unknowingly) infected with the virus that has become an international pandemic. The testing, which costs $60 each and consists of a conductor pricking someone’s finger for a blood sample, can recognize who has and doesn’t have antibodies that can guard them against the virus.

Since this could serve as a starting point to gage who’s safe to return to work and unearth from the weeks-long quarantine, it’s already been described as a hot commodity. Thousands of people are currently on the waiting list, and it’s not known when testing resources will be restocked.

In fact, the first set was already gone within 24 hours. While the lab is expected to receive another batch of 200, those “are spoken for,” Tim Terrill, the manager of the Scottsdale lab told AZ Central. 

The waiting list is expected to get longer and closely reach 2,000, Terrill said.

He also reiterated that even though no one is being prioritized over others, roughly two dozen doctors have received the special testing.

As for the Tucson location, that lab kicked off testing just days ago. That waiting list is growing by the hundreds already, but that could quickly boost drastically in no time.

The vice president of the lab, Colleen Edwards said, “I have about 4,200 emails in my inbox. I’m plowing through this, booking appointments right now and keeping some spaces open for physicians," he told AZ Central. 

Those who want to get tested are encouraged to contact each lab via phone or email to make their request.