COVID-19 Antibody Testing Available In Office

What Is SARS-CoV-2 and What Is COVID-19?

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the official name of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, the official name of the respiratory disease which is causing this pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious; transmitting through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html as well as on https://www.coronavirus.gov/.

How Long Is The Incubation Period For COVID-19?

The answer is unclear. Several studies currently in progress but according Annals of Internal Medicine, the incubation period for COVID-19 as measured from publicly confirmed cases is is 5 days.

What is the COVID-19 Antibody Test?

The COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test that detects IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 in individuals suspected of COVID-19. After an infection, virus antigen stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that can be detected in blood samples.

We offer the serology for covid 19 for  IgG antibodies only- specific for SARS CoV-2 infection.

 The level of IgG antibodies are raised within 2 weeks from the infection and can determine you if you have an immune response (to the infection).

We take a blood sample in our office and send it to Bioreference, a FDA approved lab for the testing of Covid-19 antibodies.

Why take a COVID-19 Antibody Test?

Antibody tests can detect past infection because virus-specific antibodies can persist in the blood for several weeks/months after the onset of symptoms. Since the exact time of infection is often unknown IgG testing (blood test) can improve the accuracy of the COVID-19 diagnosis.

What Are The Guidelines On Testing People For COVID-19?

The CDC stated that “Clinicians should use their judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested”. In addition, priority testing should be given to:

1. Hospitalized patients who have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 in order to inform decisions related to infection control.
2. Other symptomatic individuals such as, older adults (age ≥ 65 years) and individuals with chronic medical conditions and/or an immunocompromised state that may put them at higher risk for poor outcomes (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, receiving immunosuppressive medications, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease).
3. Any persons including healthcare personnel, who within 14 days of symptom onset had close contact with a suspect or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient, or who have a history of travel from affected geographic areas within 14 days of their symptom onset.

COVID-19 Antibody Test Limitations:

• For use in clinical laboratories by health care professionals following FDA guidance “Policy for Diagnostic Tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the Public Health Emergency”.
• Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus.
• Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
• Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.
• Not for the screening of donated blood.

If you or a loved one suspects you’ve already had COVID-19, please don’t hesitate to book your appointment to find out.