COVID-19 Antibody Testing


In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have now approved certain antibody tests for COVID-19. Antibody testing as we may know isn't a new thing, if you've been following recent news, as it is being talked about as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfolds.

We will be talking about this COVID-19 antibody testing and its importance.

Antibody Tests

This involve screening a sample of blood for tiny molecules called antibodies that have learned to respond to a particular pathogen, such as a virus, bacteria etc.

These antibodies learn how to engage and fight off specific viruses through exposure to them.

This thus entails that if a Doctor finds antibodies that respond to a certain virus in a person's blood, they can confirm that the Patient has overcome an infection of that virus.

Its significance

Some scientist argue that encouraging antibody tests more widely in communities could help ease the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, antibody tests could play an additional role such that it confirms who qualifies to donate plasma, a component of blood that contains antibodies.

Convalescent plasma therapy

This therapy involves transfusing patients who have COVID-19 with the plasma from people who have already recovered from the virus and who have formed antibodies to the virus. This therapy may thus fight off the virus.

Researchers across the USA and in some part of European countries are testing the use of Convalescent plasma therapy in the treatment of COVID-19.

Antibody tests according to some officials could also indicate who may have developed a degree of immunity to the virus.

This gives a documented proof that they can no longer spread the virus. This documentation would potentially guarantee the person's freedom to of movement even regarding the lockdown measures.

Although researchers warn that these documented proof would be untenable, as there isn't a clear evidence that people who have recovered from the virus have acquired long-term immunity to the virus.

The World Health Organisation in fact cited the lack of evidence regarding the acquired immunity to the virus and it hinted that people who may have immunity could end up endangering their own and other's health.

Availability of these tests

Global authorities have been assessing these tests and have given their assents to some of them. Labs like Abbott Laboratories have received official certification from the EU and FDA. Roche pharmaceutical also received  emergency use authorization from the FDA.

People are encouraged to contact their healthcare providers for more information on antibody testing.