Covid-19 Antibody
Also Known As: COVID 19, Noel Coronavirus, COVID, nCOV, SARS-COV-2-S
What Is The SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Spike, Semi-Quantitative Test?
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG) test is a method of gaining insights into a patient’s current or previous infection and immune response to the Corona vaccine. The SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Spike, Semi-Quantitative Test is performed to analyze the antibodies developed against COVID-19. When you are exposed to the virus or get an immunity shot for it, your immune system reacts and produces antibodies to cope with the illness. The test provides doctors with dependable numeric values to demonstrate whether you have enough antibodies against coronavirus or not.
SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded, enveloped mRNA virus closely associated with the Coronaviridae family (Betacoronavirus). Since all the coronavirus mutations show correspondences in terms of their gene expression, the test results can be a semi-quantitative indication of the total antibodies against the virus’s spike protein.
What Is The Test Used For?
This test is generally used for semi-quantitative and qualitative recognition of your IgG antibodies in plasma and serum counter to SARS-COV-2. It serves as an aid in recognizing patients with an adaptive immune response to new or prior coronavirus infection. Samples are only drawn from individuals with persistent symptoms up to 15 days or more. However, the value of this antibody test goes beyond a single infected person. The SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Spike, Semi-Quantitative Test:
- Help you understand whether you have been infected with the virus before. It checks for antibodies in the blood that indicate prior infections with viruses that lead to COVID-19.
- Maintains and develops the ongoing care path. According to many pieces of research, COVID-19 might be linked to long-term diseases and disorders. Understanding your medical status can assist healthcare providers in sustaining and evolving ongoing medical care.
- Backs and supports detailed diagnostics. This serologic testing method supports complex diagnosis in people with further complications of coronavirus.
Why And When Do You Need To Get Tested?
You can be tested because of many reasons such as:
- When it is important to know if your body has developed IgG antibodies in response to COVID-19 virus or SARS-COV-2 vaccines with spike proteins.
- If the doctor thinks you may have been exposed to the virus causing COVID-19, depending on your symptoms and health status.
- If you live in an area with multiple infected individuals or have traveled to/from a country with a high coronavirus transmission rate.
- If you have recently recovered from the infection.
This test is appropriate for you if:
- If you have been previously tested positive for COVID-19 and wish to know if any detectable antibodies are running through your system or not.
- If you have never been diagnosed with the virus but want to rule out the slightest possibility of getting exposed to the previous silent infection.
If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus or suspect that you have been infected, it is better to wait and check the symptoms for at least 10 days before getting the test done. Current studies demonstrate that it is best to get SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Spike, Semi-Quantitative Test 3-4 weeks after the symptom onset or exposure to the Novel Coronavirus.
You are not eligible for the test if:
- You are starting to feel sick or have a high temperature for 24 hours only.
- If you are only trying to diagnose yourself with the COVID-19 virus.
- If you have been recently tested positive for coronavirus (less than 10 days ago).
- If you were directly exposed to the virus or an infected individual within the past two weeks.
- When you are dealing with any life-long disease that weakens your immune system.
What Kind Of Sample Is Required?
To conduct the SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Spike, Semi-Quantitative Test, the healthcare providers usually take blood samples for further analysis. They might prick your finger or draw blood from your arm and then test it in the laboratory to know whether you have developed antibodies against the COVID-19 virus or not.
The test results usually arrive the same day as your test, but some facilities might send the test samples to other labs for analysis, so your reports might take a few days to arrive.
Do You Need To Prepare For The Test?
You do not need to do anything to prepare for the antibody test. There is no need to fast or stop taking any medication before the procedure. Once you are with a reliable doctor in a steadfast testing center, they will provide you with all the necessary instructions regarding the test. Remember to keep your facemask on to keep yourself and others safe from the virus.
Are There Any Risks To This Test?
The SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Spike, Semi-Quantitative Test results might not always be accurate, especially if you opt for it under questionable test quality. It is better to follow up the reports with molecular diagnostics to rule out the chances of infection in symptomatic individuals. As for now, nobody is aware of how long antibodies persist in the body with the virus or if their presence gives you immunity against the virus.
Also, it is important to note here that the test is not FDA approved and is only authorized for conducting under EUA, i.e., Emergency Use Authorization. The test is only sanctioned to detect the presence of antibodies against SARS-Coronavirus and not for any other infections or pathogenic diseases.
What Does The Test Results Mean?
Your test could be:
Positive- A positive SARS-CoV-2 Antibody (IgG), Spike, Semi-Quantitative Test means you have antibodies in your body, which ultimately indicates the presence of past infection with the coronavirus. False-positive results may also occur, especially if the test quality was faulty or if the test detects antibodies against a virus similar to that of COVID-19.
Negative- Negative test results show no antibodies against the infection, which means you were never infected with the virus in the past. False-negative results can appear as it takes time for antibodies to form. Sometimes, false-negative results can also occur due to defective test quality.
Related Tests: covid PCR test, Covid Antigen test
