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FAQs for the Antibody Test (Covid-19)What is the utility of antibody tests in COVID-19?In general, serological tests are blood-based tests that are used to determine whether people have been infected by particular pathogens. The immune system recognizes pathogens as foreign and mounts a protective response involving the development of antibodies. The presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies can determine whether a person has been infected by the virus. The antibodies tested are IgM and IgG antibodies.When can these antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 be detected in patients who have been exposed to the virus?lgM and lgA are the first antibodies to appear approximately 8 to 11 days after onset of symptoms. lgG antibodies, which are more specific and last longer than the other antibodies, can be detected starting from 10 days after symptoms appear.However, some people do not generate detectable lgG antibodies after infection, because of many reasons, such as existing auto-immune disorder. Also, the immune response may differ from one individual to another based on the viral burden and other factors.Can antibody tests diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection?Serological tests (Antibodies detection) are not used to diagnose recent infection with the virus. Instead, they provide information on whether a person has been previously exposed to the virus and has developed antibodies against it. The test that is used to diagnose recent infection is the molecular PCR using nasopharyngeal swabs.What does a positive (reactive) IgM result mean?It means that you have recently been infected with the virus. IgM antibodies start to decline by week six of onset of symptoms.What does a positive (reactive) IgG result mean? A positive (reactive) result means that IgG antibodies against the virus are detected, and this may suggest that there is an immune response of the body after an infection of the virus is over. Does a positive result for IgG to SARS-CoV-2 mean that the patient is immune?A positive result may indicate that you are immune to the virus and may not get the infection again. However, SARS is a new virus and there are still unanswered questions about whether a previous infection provides immunity and if so, for how long. Research is underway to clearly understand the protective effects of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the time span of the immunity that they provide. What does a negative (non-reactive) IgG or IgM result mean?This indicates that an individual has not developed detectable antibodies at the time of testing. However, it is important to mention that negative results do not rule out COVID-9 infection especially in people who have been in close contact with someone infected by the virus. In these cases, a molecular diagnostic test (PCR) is advised. What does a borderline / equivocal IgG or IgM result mean?Borderline results mean that the IgG is detected at a level that is below the detection limit of the assay. This may mean that there may be an early infection, or cross-reaction with a similar virus or an underlying immune disorder. What if my test result is positive?We will refer you to one of Cure’s physicians for further investigations or follow up. Who should consider getting the antibody test? Healthcare providers who may have been exposed based on current symptoms & signsAny person lived or traveled to place with known cases of COVID-19Any person who has been in close contact with an individual suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19Individual has been infected in the past (at least 10 days post symptoms) and has recovered Any person for screening, seroprevalence and epidemiologic studiesIndividual with prior COVID-19 infection who may serve as potential convalescent plasma donorAny special preparation for the test? No, there is no need for fasting or other requirements. The test is performed on blood sample, this is not a rapid test. What is the turnaround time for the test result to come out? It takes approximately 48 hours from the time of collection. Are the antibody tests accurate? Our laboratory uses fully automated laboratory-based immunoassays from manufacturers who have demonstrated thorough validations of the kits. We also verify the performance characteristics of the kits by performing precision, accuracy, and other necessary validation studies.What is the antibody test that are available in our Laboratory?Advanced Cure Diagnostic Center laboratory offers a high-complexit semi-qualitative immunoglobulin G (lgG) and Immunoglobulins M+A (IgM+A) immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2; the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19. This is a laboratory-based automated test and not a rapid test. ................
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