COVID Antibody Test

What Are SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19?
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the official name of the novel coronavirus responsible for the global pandemic. COVID-19 refers to the respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2. The virus is highly contagious, spreading primarily through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
For more detailed information about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html or https://www.coronavirus.gov/.
What is the incubation period for COVID-19?
While ongoing studies continue to explore this, a study published on March 10th, 2020, in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that the median incubation period for COVID-19, based on confirmed cases, is 5 days.
What is the COVID-19 Antibody Test?
The COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test that detects both IgM and IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in individuals suspected of having COVID-19. After infection, the body’s immune system produces antibodies in response to the virus. IgM antibodies appear early and are typically detectable 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms.
As the infection progresses, IgM levels decrease, and IgG antibody levels begin to rise significantly. During the recovery phase, the IgG antibody titer can increase by four times or more compared to the acute phase.
Why the COVID-19 Antibody Test?
When used alongside the RT-qPCR Nasal Swab, the COVID-19 Serological Antibody Blood Test serves as an important tool in diagnosing infected individuals. Recent research shows that COVID-19 antibodies typically aren’t detectable until 3 days after symptom onset, or at least 7 to 10 days after infection. However, antibody tests can identify past infections since virus-specific antibodies may remain in the bloodstream for weeks or months after symptoms appear. Because the exact timing of infection is often uncertain, combining RT-qPCR (nasal swab) with IgM/IgG testing (blood test) enhances the accuracy of COVID-19 diagnoses.
Who Is Eligible for Testing?
The COVID-19 Antibody Test is recommended for patients who have experienced symptoms for at least 5 days or have been infected with the virus for 7-10 days.
Guidelines for COVID-19 Testing
The CDC advises that clinicians should use their judgment to assess whether a patient exhibits signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and determine if testing is necessary. Priority testing should be given to:
- Hospitalized patients: who display symptoms compatible with COVID-19 to guide infection control decisions.
- Symptomatic individuals: at higher risk of severe outcomes, including older adults (≥65 years) and those with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung or kidney disease, those on immunosuppressive medications).
- Individuals in close contact: with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients within 14 days of symptom onset, including healthcare personnel, or those who have traveled to affected regions within 14 days of symptom onset.
Limitations of the COVID-19 Antibody Test:
This test is intended for use in clinical laboratories by healthcare professionals in accordance with FDA guidance under the “Policy for Diagnostic Tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the Public Health Emergency.”
Negative results do not exclude the possibility of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in individuals who have had contact with the virus. Follow-up testing using a molecular diagnostic assay (nasal swab) should be considered to rule out infection in these cases.
Antibody test results should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosing or excluding SARS-CoV-2 infection or determining infection status.
Positive results may indicate past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses, such as HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.
This test is not intended for screening donated blood.
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