What is an antibody test?

What is an antibody test?

With a quick test, you will be able to identify if you have been infected with Covid-19 and generated antibodies that allow you to fight the disease.

Since Coronavirus was declared a pandemic by WHO, governments in different countries around the world have embarked on a race against time to identify a cure or treatment for the disease that has now claimed more than 62,000 lives. Although a cure has not been found, multiple measures have been taken in parallel with the studies to control the virus. But over time, there are more questions that have  developed.

What was the origin of the disease? What is its mortality rate? and how to avoid infection? are among the many questions while others are directly related to the symptoms and availability of diagnostic testing available in the market.

Currently, there are 3 types of tests that can be performed to diagnose Coronavirus, PCR and two rapid tests. One performed by drawing a sample of blood and the others by means of a respiratory sample. PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a laboratory test that involves subjecting a saliva/mucosa sample of the patient to extreme temperatures to detect the presence of the pathogen or microorganism that causes the disease.

Rapid tests, as the name implies, identify the virus in less time than PCR and can detect antibodies or antigens of the virus, depending on the sample with which they are performed.

Now what is an antibody?

It is a protein produced by the immune system when a harmful substance such as bacteria, fungi or viruses is detected in the body among others.

And what’s the difference of an antigen?

The antigen plays the role of a foreign or harmful substance that triggers the immune system’s protective reaction.

This is where the antibody test comes into play.  A blood test that identifies whether a person was infected with COVID-19 and their system has developed antibodies that allowed them to fight the infection. Although this test allows the identification of the virus only when it has already been present in the patient’s system, there is the possibility of a cross-reaction with other coronaviruses, since between 15% and 30% of common colds are caused by a less aggressive species of the same virus. However, this test becomes a crucial tool during the current crisis.

First, it will allow you to be more certain about the number of people, who may or may not have developed symptoms, who have been infected with the virus and, thus establish a pattern of spreading the disease.  In addition, the characteristics of those who developed sufficient antibodies to fight the infection will be able to be studied.

Since last Friday, April 24, Formé Medical Center and Urgent Care has enabled a Coronavirus Testing Center aimed at vulnerable people, undocumented immigrant community and the uninsured population.  Eliminating barriers that limit access to health and laboratory testing at affordable prices for all. For the cost of only $45 plus a laboratory fee, you will be able to know if you have been infected and/or developed antibodies to combat COVID-19.

Access is very easy! Call Formé at 914-723-4900, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and schedule an appointment Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.  Within 2-3 days after the exam, a Formé member will contact you with your results and recommendations for care and precautions depending on the results.

If you have health insurance, call us to schedule your appointment. Medical membership members, this test is covered for you. The only cost to you is the laboratory fee which will be sent to you directly by the lab.  

At Formé: Our mission, your health!

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source https://formemedicalcenter.com/blog/what-is-an-antibody-test/