Abbott Labs Ships Over 1M Rapid Coronavirus Tests To Every State

NORTH CHICAGO, IL — Abbott Laboratories has shipped more than 1 million of its rapid ID NOW tests to all 50 U.S. states, the company announced in an update posted Friday to its website. Abbott said the majority of these tests have been sent to the coronavirus outbreak hotspots and asks that customers prioritize frontline health care workers and first responders.

“We're currently manufacturing 50,000 tests per day, plan to increase ID NOW manufacturing capacity to 2 million tests a month by June and are working to expand beyond that,” Abbott stated, in the update.

The "rapid, portable testing instrument" is used in urgent care clinics, hospital emergency departments, and physicians' offices, Abbott said.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 25: 39,658 Cases; 1,795 Deaths; Don't miss updates about precautions in the North Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

In addition, Abbott announced and began shipping a lab-based antibody blood test last week, and has shipped nearly 2.5 million tests to U.S. customers. This test helps determine if a person was previously infected, the company added.

"Abbott plans to ramp up to 20 million antibody tests in June and beyond, and expand our testing capabilities to our Alinity i lab system," the update states.

RELATED:

• Abbott Labs Gets Emergency Approval For Rapid Coronavirus Test
• Coronavirus Test Made By Abbott Labs Wins Emergency FDA Approval

The company also said it's shipped more than 1.4 million tests to customers across the country, and is also shopping these tests to customers throughout the world.

>> Read more