Why Should You Take The Covid Antibody Test?

Advanced technology and extensive research have made it possible to know whether a person had Covid-19 in the past and recovered by forming antibodies. This is done through a test known as antibody testing. This test is also known as serology testing, which is meant to detect the presence of antibodies in a person’s blood. An antibody test for covid does not see the virus's company but the antibody formed after the SARS-COV-2 virus entered the body. After getting vaccinated for COVID-19, some antibody test results may reveal positive results for antibodies. The kind of protein your body creates to eliminate an infection is called an antibody. The immune system detects harmful foreign bodies and stops them before they cause any harm. The method comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and tissues. 

Why get a Covid Antibody Test?

You may need to get an antibody test for covid because of the following reasons:

• If you came up with Covid-19 related symptoms and you weren’t tested. 
• When you want to know whether you were infected with Covid-19 in the past and never got tested for the virus. 
• Suppose you are interested in donating plasma and therefore want to know if you developed antibodies after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma is a component in your body that usually stores antibodies. 

See More: How Does the Coronavirus Antibody Test Work?

Tests used to diagnose COVID-19.

Various tests are used to identify patients who have Covid-19, which is a viral infection caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. Here are some of them:

• RT-PCR test

This type of Covid-19 test is also known as a molecular test. The test works by detecting the genetic material of the SARS-COV-2 virus. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) lab technique is used to conduct this type of Covid-19 test. While performing this test, the doctor may ask you to spit into a tube to produce a saliva sample. The doctor may also collect a fluid sample from your nose or throat using a naval or a throat swab. An RT-PCR test produces results in minutes. When performed by a professional healthcare provider, it provides accurate results.

• Antigen test

An antigen COVID-19 test works by detecting viral proteins in the blood. The test is conducted using a naval swab to collect body fluids from the throat or nose. Once the test is done, the patient can get results in minutes. If you follow testing instructions carefully, you will get accurate results. Further lab analysis may be needed for some results. 

When should you get tested for antibodies, and what are its benefits? 

The best time to get tested for antibodies is when you have recovered from COVID-19 infection. An antibody test is also known as serology testing, and eligibility may vary based on which type of test is closely available. While doing an antibody test for covid, a healthcare provider may collect a blood sample from a finger prick or draw the patient’s blood from a vein in the arm. The doctor needs to test these samples to determine whether antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 developed after infection. Antibodies are often formed in the immune system. Antibodies are proteins designed to clear out viruses from the body. 

If the results turn out to be positive, you have either been vaccinated against COVID-19 or developed antibodies after getting infected with Covid-19 in the past. It may also reveal that you have developed immunity against the SARS-COV-2 virus. However, developing antibodies does not mean you are safe from getting Covid-19. It only means that the severity may not be that intense once you are infected. 

Researchers have yet to establish how long antibodies last in the body. Studies are also going on to determine the level of immunity. Another benefit of getting an antibody test for covid is identifying those who have developed antibodies and want to donate their plasma – a component that stores antibodies in the blood. Plasma helps those who cannot fight the virus on their own. Patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms may also benefit from donated plasma. 

When should I get an antibody test after the infection?

Once infected with Covid-19, it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies. It also takes about the same time to develop immunity after vaccination. To know if you have developed antibodies against the virus, you need to get tested for antibodies ten days after symptoms have shown up. You may also get tested for antibodies ten days after testing positive for Covid-19. You should also get an antibody test for covid once the symptoms have subsided and you no longer have a fever for 24 hours. 

What Benefits does an Antibody Test Have?

You will get various benefits by getting a test for covid antibody levels. Below are some of them:

• Identifying past Covid-19 infections 

Even for asymptomatic patients, Covid-19 may cause complications. For high-risk patients, getting an antibody test for covid helps determine whether they were previously infected. An antibody test also helps identify convalescent Covid-19 patients who turned negative.

• Easy and quick

It is quickly done, and results come very fast. Antibody tests are usually done by testing blood samples. 

• Mass screening and prevalence

An antibody test for covid-19 also helps to determine the prevalence rate in a population during mass screening. It allows researchers and doctors to understand the severity of infection in a particular area. Doctors can track the increase and decrease of Covid-19 diseases and assess the fatality rate. 

• Vaccine development 

Another great benefit of an antibody test for covid is that it helps develop a vaccine against COVID-19. Antibodies play a significant role in creating vaccines against the virus. Information gathered by researchers allows them to understand how antibodies work when fighting the SARS-COV-2 virus and antigens. This helps develop effective Covid-19 vaccines. 

• Vaccine testing

Getting tested for antibodies also helps to establish the level of immunity a person gains after vaccination. 

• Plasma donation

You may also need to get tested for antibodies to donate your plasma to patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms. Doctors often establish if a plasma has high titer antibody plasma through antibody tests for covid. The test will determine whether you are eligible to donate your plasma. Getting a titer antibody in your plasma in the early stages of the infection will determine the effectiveness of plasma therapy. 

Who can take the Antibody Test?

Below are circumstances where one may need to get an antibody test:

• Negative viral test 

A patient who tests negative for Covid-19 but has symptoms related to Covid-19 may need an antibody test to know whether they have immunity against the virus. 

• Before surgery

Patients preparing for surgery may need to undergo surgical procedures and get an antibody test and other diagnostic tests before the surgery. 

• Plasma donation

Before donating your plasma, you first need to know whether your antibody levels are high enough, and you can only know that by getting an antibody test for covid. 

• High-risk patients

You may have to take an antibody test if you have a high chance of getting infections. This applies more to people who have a compromised immune system. The elderly who usually interact with Covid-19 patients should undergo antibody tests. 

Arleta Urgent Care Clinic has all it takes to carry out proper antibody tests. All our staff follows the provided Covid-19 safety protocol when conducting these tests. If you are unsure about your Covid-19 or antibody status, you can come to our clinic to get proper and effective Covid-19 tests.

You can also read: Arleta COVID-19 Antibody Testing What We Know?

What can you expect?

While performing an antibody test for covid 19, your healthcare provider will either prick your fingertip or draw blood from a vein in your arm. Afterward, the blood is taken to a lab to undergo several tests to determine whether it contains antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is advisable to get your Covid-19 antibody test from Arleta Urgent Care since you will get the results on the same day. A consultation with our doctor lets you understand the cost of covid antibody test at our clinic.

Conclusion

Getting tested for antibodies allows you to know if you contracted the SARS-COV-2 virus in the past. This test is beneficial because it will enable researchers to understand how to develop Covid-19 vaccines. A Covid-19 antibody test also lets you know whether you have enough antibodies to donate to Covid-19 patients. If you are curious about an antibody test for covid and want to learn more about it, don’t hesitate to contact healthcare professionals at Arleta Urgent Care Clinic. 

If you have any questions about antibody testing, please do not hesitate to contact us at 818-746-2626 or Schedule an Appointment.