BOISE, Idaho — This week, Crush the Curve Idaho released the first round of antibody test results.
The results were made possible through private testing by the initiative, spearheaded by Tommy Ahlquist, Saltzer Health, and other private businesses. Tests were run through the University of Washington Department of Virology Laboratory on an Abbott Architect with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.6%.
Results show 34 of the nearly 2,000 patients test positive for antibodies, meaning we aren't close to achieving herd immunity here in Idaho.
"As someone that was able to actually draw blood and meet a whole bunch of people that came through our tents here, there's a lot of very specific instances in people's lives where getting tested makes a big difference to them personally, and I think that's the big change for me this week is it's all been about data and statistics and epidemeology and this week there's just a lot of people that really need to know for their own personal life whether they've had this or not," said Ahlquist.
Kaiser Health collected the tests last week in the Treasure Valley. Crush the Curve plans to test another 18,000 Idahoans by May 1 for antibodies at test sites in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Blaine County, Lewiston and Post Falls.
To find a test site, click here. Tests are just over $100 each.
Crush the Curve Idaho says its COVID-19 test results show social distancing is working, and the state should maintain the measures as businesses begin to re-open.
