• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Newsroom

    release_header.png


    August 13, 2020

    Media Contact:

    Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536

    Charles Gischlar, Deputy Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-6491

     

    Maryland Department of Health launches COVID-19 antibody study

     

    Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced its collaboration with 13 hospitals in the state to conduct an antibody (serology) study to determine how many Marylanders have been exposed to COVID-19. More than 6,000 people will be tested in the initial phase.

     

    Serology tests indicate whether people have had a previous infection by looking for antibodies in their blood. Serology testing is not diagnostic like a PCR test to determine whether a person has an active COVID-19 infection. The serology test uses a blood sample to look for antibodies made in response to COVID-19, rather than looking for the virus itself.

     

    The MDH study is part of an ongoing serology testing strategy to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 based on scientific data to guide state and local policies to ensure the health and safety of Marylanders. Additional testing will take place based on lessons learned and statistical gaps identified in the initial survey.


    “Understanding the level and pattern of unrecognized community transmissions of COVID-19 is crucial to curb transmission and prevent a future wave of the pandemic,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “Establishing a baseline of those who have tested positive will help us better understand how it spreads so we can fight it more effectively.”


    Hospitals participating in the study are representative of the state’s geography and expected levels of infection, based on confirmed COVID-19 cases and patients visiting emergency departments. Participating hospitals include:

    • UMPC Western Maryland
    • Carroll County Hospital
    • UM Shore Medical Center at Easton
    • Peninsula Regional
    • Frederick Memorial
    • Anne Arundel Medical Center
    • MedStar Franklin Square
    • Johns Hopkins Health System
    • Howard General Hospital
    • Holy Cross Hospital
    • Shady Grove Adventist
    • UM Prince George’s Hospital Center
    • MedStar Southern Maryland

    MDH enlisted a design team for the serological testing study that includes the University of Maryland School of Medicine, John Hopkins University and the John Hopkins Emergency Department. The design team created a plan for hospitals to collect existing unused blood samples for the study. The plan was finalized by the MDH Scientific Advisory Board, a multi-disciplinary team of academics, hospital leaders, and biostatistics experts.


    “Emergency departments are a window into communities and can reveal the state of public health. They are one of the most important resources to provide information on the prevalence of COVID-19 among all patients,” said Acting Deputy Secretary of Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan.

     

    “Results of the study will help state health officials refine patient surge needs and respond to additional waves of COVID-19 should they occur,” said Chief Operating Officer and Medicaid Director Dennis R. Schrader.

     

    The MDH laboratory will process samples from patients who have their blood drawn during routine clinical care at the hospitals’ emergency departments/emergency rooms. Aggregate results will be reported back to the hospitals for their surge planning and community health efforts. MDH will include the data, including other aggregate serology data from other sources at https://data.imap.maryland.gov/datasets/mdcovid19-serologytests.

     

    Additional information about the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at coronavirus.maryland.gov.


    ###

     

    The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.

     

    Follow us on Twitter @MDHealthDept and at Facebook.com/MDHealthDept.