By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

ALABAMA — A Nashville-based company with assets in Alabama has developed a test to not only rapidly detect an active COVID-19 infection, but also indicate past exposure and possible immunity to the virus.

The company, Webb Diagnostic Technologies (WebbDX), began developing the test in response to the White House Coronavirus Task Force’s request for a “finger prick-type assay” to detect COVID-19 antibodies. 

“The utility of a test like this cannot be overstated,” said Dr. William Schaffner, professor of Preventive Medicine and Health Policy in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a member of the WebbDX Scientific Advisory Board. “Precautions and protections will still be required, of course, but the delivery of care becomes safer and more efficient — for patients and caregivers alike.” 

U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) assisted with the approval of the test after connecting with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn. 

“I was proud to help this company, which has assets in Alabama and Tennessee, make connections within Alabama to ensure that the scientists at Webb had everything they needed to work on an antibody test,” Aderholt stated. “The American economy cannot stay closed forever and plans are being made now for a phased approach for getting industry back up and running, businesses opened and people back to work.   But an important part of getting us back to normal is widespread, fast, reliable antibody testing.”

“It’s this type of testing that will allow us to reopen our economy in a safe manner and put an end to this pandemic,” he concluded.