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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/
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:
- Hospitalized patients who have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 in order to inform decisions related to infection control.
- 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).
- 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.
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Midtown Office
30 East 40th Street, Suite 802
(Btwn Madison and Park)
New York, NY, 10016
Phone: (212) 481-1744
Fax: (212) 685-0625[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]