MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTING – #Thinkhealth weblog

There may be loads of confusion amongst individuals about COVID-19 antibody testing. Most individuals suppose that they’re examined optimistic for COVID-19 in the event that they check reactive for antibodies. The misconceptions are cleared beneath.

What’s COVID-19 antibody check?

COVID-19 antibody check is often known as serology check which is often a blood check. The check tells if there are antibodies current towards SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Presence of antibodies within the blood often signifies our physique is combating or has fought towards an an infection. Antibodies make it easier to to battle towards the infections and may shield you from getting the identical an infection once more. How lengthy the safety lasts is completely different for every illness and every particular person. 

Antibody check outcomes usually are not considered to diagnose somebody with energetic an infection.

What are the varieties of antibody testing?

• IgM antibodies, which occur early in an an infection. You can be examined optimistic for IgM antibody in case you have been contaminated just lately and that your immune system has began responding to the virus.  When IgM is detected you should still be contaminated, or you will have just lately recovered from a COVID-19 an infection.
• IgG antibodies, which usually tend to present up later. These antibodies point out that you’ve got had COVID-19 within the latest previous and have developed antibodies that will shield you from future an infection. It’s unknown at this level how a lot safety antibodies would possibly present towards reinfection.

Do we have to isolate ourselves if we’re examined optimistic for COVID antibodies?

• In case you are examined optimistic for each antibodies (IgM and IgG) and have signs associated to COVID-19, it’s advisable to go for RT-PCR check to verify if there may be any energetic an infection. Isolation is recommended until you might be symptom free.
• If in case you have examined optimistic for IgG antibody and don’t have any signs, no isolation is required.

What if the Antibody check is Optimistic?

Under are the few potentialities in case you are examined optimistic for antibodies:

• You could have been contaminated with COVID-19 previously.
• You may check optimistic for antibodies even in case you have by no means had signs of COVID-19. Asymptomatic an infection wherein there will probably be no signs even in case you have been contaminated, could be the trigger for such a outcome.
• You need to speak to your physician whether it is optimistic, as there are 2 varieties of antibodies as defined above and to know if there may be any energetic an infection based mostly on the kind of antibody examined and present scientific situation.
• There’s a likelihood {that a} optimistic outcome means you have got antibodies from an an infection with a distinct virus from the identical household of viruses referred to as coronaviruses.

What if Antibody check is Adverse?

There are few potentialities which could be the explanation for destructive outcome:

• You’ve gotten present energetic an infection wherein antibodies usually are not developed but and you want to go for RT-PCR to verify the analysis in case you have signs associated to COVID-19.
• It’s possible you’ll not have been contaminated with COVID-19 previously.
• Some individuals might take longer to develop antibodies. 
• The outcome could also be fallacious, which is a false destructive.
• Because the vaccine is out now and shortly most people will probably be vaccinated. In case you might be vaccinated, you’ll be able to’t see antibodies in the event you go for antibody testing.

Regardless of the outcome could also be, taking good precautions to stop the illness is a should.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/covid-antibody-tests/faq-20484429

https://www.webmd.com/lung/antibody-testing-covid-19#1

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antibody-tests.html

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/antibody-serology-testing-covid-19-information-patients-and-consumers

 By,

 Dr. Y. Alekhya.