The Putnam County Department of Health is fielding many questions about COVID-19 testing. There are three types currently being conducted: diagnostic, antibody and antigen. Diagnostic tests identify active infections.

As of May 10, the FDA has given emergency use authorization to several antibody tests and one antigen test. Many more tests are on the market, but have not received approval. The FDA allows this as long as the test results do not claim the ability to diagnose COVID-19 or prove immunity. At this time, the FDA does not allow any blood tests to be performed at home, so all tests must be conducted in clinical labs or by health care workers. 

There are dozens of antibody and diagnostic testing locations throughout Putnam County.  The New York State Department Of Health continues to run diagnostic testing sites.  An online assessment can be completed to see if the guidelines for testing are met: https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov/.