Antibody tests (serology test) that reveals whether someone has been infected with
the coronavirus are on their way. Here’s what you need to know. A serology test looks for
signs of an immune response. When your body encounters a virus, it takes some time for
it to recognize the invader and to begin to scale up an immune response. Immune
molecules called antibodies are a crucial part of this response.The first type of antibody to
appear is called immunoglobulin M or IgM, and its levels spike within a few days of
infection. But IgM is a generic fighter. To target and destroy a specific virus, the body
refines it into a second type of antibody, called immunoglobulin G, or IgG, that can
recognize that virus. As IgG levels rise, IgM levels drop; IgG levels peak around 28 days
after the onset of infection. There is a third type of antibody, called IgA, that is present in
mucosal tissue. For example, like the inner lining of the lung. IgA is known to be important
for fighting respiratory infections such as influenza, and is likely to be central in
coronavirus infection, too. Many of the tests being developed look for levels of all three
antibodies; some look for just IgM and IgG, and still others test for only one type.
The test is fast and simple. Here are the steps for the rapid test.
Steps
1. Collect blood/serum/plasma sample.
2. Add blood/serum/plasma sample to sample well.
3. Place 2-3 drops of buffer in sample well.
4. Read results after 10 minutes and no more than 15 minutes
Results
A total of three detection lines are possible, with the control (C) line appearing when sample has been flowed through the cassette.
1 | Negative Result: If only the quality control line (C) appears and the detection lines G and M are not visible, then no novel coronavirus antibody has been detected and the result is negative.
2 | Positive Result, M only: If both the quality control line (C) and the detection line M appears, then the novel coronavirus IgM antibody has been detected and the result is positive for the IgM antibody.
3 | Positive Result, G only: If both the quality control line (C) and the detection line G appears, then the novel coronavirus IgG antibody has been detected and the result is positive for the IgG antibody.
4 | Positive Result, G and M: If the quality control line (C) and both detection lines G and M appear, then the novel coronavirus IgG and IgM antibodies have been detected and the result is positive for both the IgG and IgM antibodies.
As a healthcare provider it will give me a peace of mind knowing, I am negative or I have the antibodies. Having the antibodies means I had coronovirus and will not give anyone the COVID-19. I hope you enjoyed this blog and found it informative.
XOXO,
SkinDesigner