BUFFALO, N.Y. — When KSL Diagnostics Inc., a developer of novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications for immunology and oncology, partnered with independent drug stores in greater Buffalo, N.Y., to introduce Immune Index, they knew they were heading into uncharted territory. With a first-of-its-kind COVID-19 antibody test that helps patients and their health care providers quantitatively monitor their immune status to optimize scheduling vaccinations, pharmacies have the opportunity to go beyond dispensing medications to deliver more-comprehensive patient care and add a valuable clinical service to increase their nondrug revenues.

Jeff Phelps with Brighton Eggert Pharmacy’s Don Arthur.

Independents who joined the KSL Immune Index partner program differentiated themselves by offering an antibody test at the leading edge of patient care, and gained patient trust and appreciation for the ability to measure their level of virus immunity, which, in turn, generated additional in-store foot traffic and point-of-sale opportunities.

A new program is born

Brighton Eggert first collaborated with KSL to offer COVID-19 PCR testing early in the pandemic when demand was high and result turnaround time (TAT) reached 15 days. As a private local diagnostics lab, KSL was able to significantly reduce TAT to 24 hours. With Brighton Eggert’s success and the urgent need for more testing sites, KSL began building a network of independently owned pharmacies to provide lab-based COVID testing in western New York. KSL then enlisted Brighton Eggert for a pilot program to add Immune Index in July.

The pharmacy partner program has been so successful that KSL is now providing Immune Index testing to more than 20 independent pharmacies in the Buffalo area and expanding its network in the eastern and southern U.S.

“KSL’s Immune Index is truly a clinical service of real value to our patients and our business,” says Don Arthur, Brighton Eggert pharmacist and owner. “It helps us manage our COVID vaccination program with a test that tells our patients where they stand regarding their immunity. It really differentiates us from our competition. And KSL has created an easy-to-implement turnkey program. It checks all the boxes for an independent pharmacy.”

Pharmacies can use Immune Index testing to establish a personalized patient monitoring program that can help sustain vaccine-induced immunity and monitor patient-specific immunity following virus infection or vaccination. Each individual’s immune response is unique, with factors such as age, genetics, excess weight, immunosuppression and comorbidities impacting the strength and duration of immunity. Monitoring patients’ antibody levels biannually or quarterly enables clinicians to prioritize boosters for high-risk individuals or defer vaccination in high-immunity cases.

Administered through a quick, noninvasive finger prick, KSL’s proprietary test returns quantitative measurements of IgM, IgA and IgG antibody levels, with a correlating risk score for IgG response. This risk score’s numerical value indicates a low, moderate or high risk of COVID infection using an easy-to-understand graphical representation. TAT for test results is 24 to 48 hours after a sample is received at KSL’s Buffalo laboratory.

KSL developed Immune Index in collaboration with the University at Buffalo Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences (UB CAT). The test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health/CLIA/Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and is available to independent pharmacies across the U.S.

“Brighton Eggert has been a true partner in the pilot program for KSL’s Immune Index for independent pharmacies,” says KSL vice president of sales Jeff Phelps. “Our synergistic relationship has enabled us to develop effective marketing tools we can take to other ­independents.”

KSL provides a complete COVID antibody testing solution. Sample collection kits are supplied to pharmacies at no cost. Pharmacy staff training is available free of charge. The program covers in-store and digital marketing, including an online results dashboard for patients and providers, free specimen shipping and technical customer support. KSL handles all insurance billing and reimburses pharmacies monthly for testing, which is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Pharmacies receive the CARES Act-mandated reimbursement for each Immune Index test.

Phelps continues, “KSL’s partnership with Brighton Eggert has also benefited tremendously from their extensive involvement with the National Community Pharmacists Association and other organizations for independent drug stores. What we’ve learned through working together has shown us that we can be a lab partner for independent pharmacy customers ­nationwide.”

Arthur concludes, “Independent pharmacies are playing a more prominent role in vaccinations and point-of-care testing. Providing these services in our stores allows us to also partner with local physicians to monitor our patients’ health and advise them of COVID trends in the community.”

Personalized medicine is on the rise in the 21st century. Pharmacies haven’t been part of the conversation in the past, but they are now becoming a thriving hub for personalized medicine. KSL’s Immune Index antibody test is a great example of how pharmacists can deliver added value and exceptional health care service to their patients and community.

For more information on Immune Index and KSL, visit www.immuneindex.com or https://www.ksldx.com/.