TEST WILL HELP EFFICIENT DATA COLLECTION
The Covid-19 Antibodies test is a semi-quantitative test for IgM and/or IgG antibodies. Unlike the PCR test which detects viral nucleic acid in specimens, the antibody test can detect the specific Covid-19 antibodies generated in the body after infection, in response to the virus. Nearly all immune competent individuals will develop an immune response following Covid-19 infection.
These specific antibodies are a part of body’s immune response for protection against the virus. Two kinds of antibodies are produced by the immune system after exposure to the virus. First is the IgM antibody which is generated in acute infection phase and can be used to detect active phase of infection.
The antibody test is not useful for rapid diagnosis or the diagnosis of acute infections.
Patients who have had a positive Covid-19 swab have no need of IgG test for confirmation of the infection.
Serologic test is supporting the diagnosis of Covid-19 illness in late disease presentation with negative PCR.
Patients with a negative Covid-19 swab and persisting flu-like illness symptoms may benefit from an antibody test.
The symptoms will have to be on-going for a couple of weeks for the test to have a good likelihood of being positive.
It may be best to test individuals who need to know if they have been in contact with the virus in past.
This test can also be used to assess if someone could be eligible for convalescent plasma donation.
The test is valuble to determine who should receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine when available.
The test should not be used to make decisions about grouping, changing the protective equipments guidelines or return to work.
More research work is needed to give answeres about the disease prevelance in the population, how to get a long term protective immunity, how to protect from reinfection.