New COVID-19 Antibody Test Arrives in Florida

The 15-minute test can detect past exposure to the virus.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:43pm

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A ghostly, glowing X-ray image of the internal structure of a COVID-19 virus particle, conceptually representing the detection of past infection through a new antibody test.A new rapid antibody test can detect past exposure to the COVID-19 virus, providing valuable data to guide public health decisions.Jupiter Today

A new COVID-19 antibody test that can detect past exposure to the virus has arrived in Palm Beach County, Florida. The IgG/IgM test, manufactured by Henry Schein, provides results in just 15 minutes.

Why it matters

The availability of this rapid antibody test could help identify individuals who have already been infected with COVID-19, even if they were asymptomatic. This information can aid public health efforts to understand the true spread of the virus and guide decisions around reopening communities.

The details

The IgG/IgM test looks for two different types of antibodies that the body produces in response to a COVID-19 infection. IgM antibodies are the first to appear, indicating a recent or current infection, while IgG antibodies develop later and suggest past exposure. The test can detect both types of antibodies, providing a more comprehensive picture of a person's infection history.

  • The new COVID-19 antibody test arrived in Palm Beach County, Florida in April 2026.

The players

Henry Schein

A medical supply company that manufactured the IgG/IgM COVID-19 antibody test.

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What’s next

Health officials in Palm Beach County are working to make the new antibody test widely available to residents in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The arrival of this rapid COVID-19 antibody test in Florida represents an important step forward in understanding the true prevalence of the virus and informing public health strategies to combat the pandemic.