Blog Details

With the ongoing pandemic of Covid-19, you might have noticed the term Antibody Test, often in the news. What is an antibody test? We have heard about COVID Test frequently. It is necessary to identify whether a person is infected with Covid-19 or not. The usual method is a virology test (antigen test). In this test, the samples from your respiratory system, such as a swab from the inside of your nose or your saliva sample, will be analysed to identify whether you are infected with SARS-Cov-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus), the virus that causes Covid-19. The test result will be positive if you are currently infected with Covid-19.

Nowadays another method of testing, the Antibody Test, is available in health centres and laboratories. An antibody is a Y-shaped protein produced by B cells of our immune system in response to a virus attack. It helps us to fight with the antigen of the particular virus and eliminates the virus, thereby boosts our immunity against the same. Antibodies are specific in nature. For example, an antibody produced in case of chickenpox is capable of fighting only with the chicken poxviruses.

There are two types of antibodies. IgM, an antibody produced in the body of an infected person within two weeks of infection, which lasts only for a shorter period. IgG antibodies, which are produced within 2 - 3 weeks, stay longer. The antibody test is carried out in a person who is/was infected, and in an asymptomatic person also, to check whether the antibodies are present or not. In many cases, infected people are asymptomatic. The lab technician will take your blood sample through a finger prick and test it for the presence of antibodies. It cannot be considered to diagnose a disease since it takes two to three weeks for the body to produce antigens. This test can be carried out to understand whether a person was infected or for how long a person has been infected by distinguishing the presence of IgM or IgG antibodies. It also helps to understand your immunity level.

A bonus of the antibody test is the plasma donation. The plasma of a recovered person can be transferred into an infected person to boost their immunity and eliminate the virus. This method is in practice now. Few such methods of treatment have been successful. Intense research is going on around the globe to study the chances of recovery through plasma donation methods.

Though the antibodies are generated in our body against Covid-19, researchers couldn’t conclude how long it can stay in our body. There are cases where recovered people tested positive again. The studies are going on to find out more about the disease and its prevention. Till then, let us take all the necessary precautions to keep ourselves away from this contagious disease. Follow all the instructions disseminated by the government. For all your requirements like PPE kit, Facemask and Digital Thermometers, contact Three Seas Meditour for quality products at best market rates to keep you safe during this epidemic. As the proverb says, prevention is always better than cure.

Visit our website: www.meditour.in