MARSHALL — Starting this week, Marshall area residents will be able to find out if they’ve had COVID-19 through a same-day test available at Hy-Vee Pharmacy.

Hy-Vee announced late last week that COVID-19 rapid antibody tests will be available at more than 250 pharmacy locations. The list includes Hy-Vee pharmacies in Marshall, Fairmont, Worthington and New Ulm.

The rapid antibody test is for patients who want to learn if they have been infected with COVID-19 in the past, and not for people who are currently experiencing symptoms, Hy-Vee spokespeople said. The antibody test can’t be used to diagnose if you have a current COVID infection.

The rapid antibody test can help detect if a person has antibodies to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Antibodies are proteins a person’s body makes to fight infections. It can take one to three weeks after an infection to make antibodies, Hy-Vee’s announcement said.

Rapid antibody tests will be available at Hy-Vee pharmacy locations starting Monday, Hy-Vee’s announcement said. People who want to get a test need to register ahead of time, by going online to www.hy-vee.com/covidtesting and selecting “antibody test” to schedule a testing time and location.

The test costs $25, and can be purchased with any form of payment including health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts, Hy-Vee said. Patients will pay for their test when they arrive at the pharmacy. The test uses a finger stick to collect a small blood sample. After testing is complete, the results will be sent to the patient by e-mail that same day.