Northwell, Town of Hempstead partner on antibody testing at Five Towns Community Center

In a room in the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence, Hewlett resident Lisa Brining sat across from John Scicutella, a Northwell Health nurse, who tapped Brining’s left arm, looking for a vein suitable for collecting Brining’s blood for an antibody test on Monday.

The community center was one of three places where testing was taking place this week, in a partnership between Northwell Health and the Town of Hempstead. The town approved a $2 million grant for free antibody testing for town residents that began Aug. 17.  Up to 250 people per day can be tested at each site.

Northwell plans to conduct the tests every week at three or more locations across the town. Along with Lawrence, the sites this week included town parking field No. 3 in Oceanside, and Grace Cathedral Church in Uniondale. Town residents can be tested at any site.

“I’d like to thank Senator [Charles] Schumer for his continued support and advocacy on behalf of local municipalities with regard to CARES funding,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said, referring to the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, passed in March. “The Northwell Health mobile testing initiative was made possible by funding the Town of Hempstead received from the CARES Act. The increased accessibility to testing for members of our community will go a long way in lessening future spread of the virus.”

Brining was one of 50 people who pre-registered for the test, although walk-ins are accepted as well. She and other members of her family contracted Covid-19 at the end March. “I wanted to see if I had the antibodies,” she said after having her blood drawn. Asked about the coronavirus pandemic, she added, “I think it’s crazy,” and noted that she was lucky to still be working at Russo Development Enterprises in Lawrence.

Antibodies are proteins in the human immune system that circulate in the blood. They recognize foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses and neutralize them, which helps the body ward off illnesses. The purpose of the antibody testing is to determine whether someone who previously contracted or was exposed to Covid-19 has antibodies in their blood that might help protect them — and, by extension, others — against infection.

“It is beneficial for people — especially those who had Covid — or whether people were exposed or not,” said Northwell nurse Edwin Anaso, one of four nurses at two tables who drew blood from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. “The antibodies fight the virus,” he added.

“I wanted to know if I had antibodies,” Lawrence resident Deena Bernstein, who was exposed to the virus during a trip to Paris in March, said after having her blood drawn. “When we came back from Paris, we self-quarantined for two weeks and basically were at home,” added Bernstein who never contracted Covid-19. “We’re doing as best we can. We haven’t gone to any events.”

Amber Barrios, a teacher at the Community Center’s Head Start program for the past two year, got tested because of possible exposure from relatives. “I didn’t have it,” the Hewlett resident said of the virus. "Two uncles had it a couple of months ago. It was really scary, but they’re OK now.”

Free antibody testing is expected to be available for the next five weeks. To register, call (516) 821-2500.