COVID ANTIBODY TEST

A simple way of understanding the two is –

The ANTIGENS are the proteins that exist on the outer shell of the virus itself. So, it's part of the virus itself.

ANTIBODIES are produced by the human body against those specific antigens

The PCR testing, which is the NAAT testing or that tests the nucleic acid of the virus itself, are the most sensitive ones and to complete the testing process, they need to be done in quite sophisticated laboratory setting and, that's why the turnaround time for these tests can take several days. And, if there's an outbreak and there are lots of samples, it will take several days longer than what we would want to or hope for.

The Antigen Testing that exists now in the market are what we call the Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests. They test for the antigen on the outer surface of the virus itself and have been developed in a way that they can be done at the bedside or in the field so they do not need the sophisticated laboratory setting to conduct them.

They are not as accurate as the PCR testing, but they have a very important value as one of the tools to address the COVID pandemic.

There are many studies underway to better understand the antibody response following infection to SARS-CoV-2.

• Several studies to date show that most people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop antibodies specific to this virus.
• However, the levels of these antibodies can vary.

Adequate immune response takes 2-3 weeks after completion of entire vaccination schedule i.e., after the second dose of COVISHIELD and COVAXIN

Along with laboratory testing, chest CT scans may be helpful to diagnose COVID-19 in individuals with a high clinical suspicion of infection.

• With COVID-19 diagnostic testing, people who test positive and have symptoms can get care earlier.
• Contacts can be traced and self-isolation or quarantine started sooner to help stop the spread of the virus.
• But no COVID-19 test is 100% accurate.
• It's possible to test negative yet actually be infected (false-negative result) or to test positive and not be infected (false-positive result).
• So it's vital to continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as social distancing and wearing a mask when appropriate, until further notice.
• Results of antibody tests indicate how many people had COVID-19 and recovered, including those who didn't have symptoms.
• This aids in determining who might have immunity, though to what extent and for how long is not yet known.

You can contact your local or state health department or visit the department's website for information on testing. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact your doctor to discuss your situation and find out how to prepare for your appointment before seeking a COVID-19 test in person.

If you’re tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, then it may indicate that you were infected with the virus in the past. This also might mean that you have some immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

• If your COVID antibody test results are false positive, then it means you have antibodies in your blood and had a different kind of SARS-CoV-2.
• Whereas, if you test negative, then you didn’t come into contact with the virus, or you didn’t have the virus for a long time, to produce antibodies.
• It’s possible to test negative, yet have SARS-CoV-2 and not have antibodies. This is a False-negative result.

No matter the test results, you don’t need a follow-up, if you don’t have any symptoms. But in case if you have, then you may need to take a diagnostic test to check for signs of active virus.
Since there are chances of getting false-negative results, after getting tested, it’s essential that you follow safety guidelines. Stay home as much as possible, often wash your hands and wear a mask when you’re out.