Covid -19 Antibody  IgG Testing

  • A simple blood test that lets you know if you were recently infected by Covid-19 Virus
  • This is Quantitative test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) IgG Antibodies
  • Positive Test indicates exposure to SARS-CoV-2
  • Negative test indicates absence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies hence immunity status cannot be established.
  • IgG antibody usually becomes positive after 8-13 days of infection and peaks around 21 days.

FAQ’s:

 How many types of Antibodies are there?

  • IgM
  • IgG

Why are Antibodies produced and when?

  • Antibodies are produced as an immune response to the Covid-19 antigen . Role of these antibodies can be protective and as an evidence to the exposure of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)
  • Antibodies are produced late in the first week (5-7 days).
  • IgM reaches peak by end of 2nd week (14 days)
  • IgG antibodies usually becomes positive after 8-13 days of infection and peaks around 21 days.

What is the interpretation of Covid-19 testing?

  • RT – PCR and Antigen are specially recommended by ICMR to diagnosis infection by SARS CoV-2 (Covid-19)
  • Positive results in RT-PCR mean that infection by SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed.
  • Negative results mean that infection by SARS-CoV-2 is not confirmed. Negative results by Antigen test in a symptomatic patient shall require confirmation by RT-PCR.
  • Positive Antibody Testing established exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) infection. This has a relevance from sero-surveillance point of view.
  • Negative Antibody test means that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) infection is not established.

When should one get tested with Antibody test?

  • At 0-7 days of infection: At 0-7 days, RT-PCR test can be done to detect the presence of the virus in this early phase of infection. Rapid Antigen test for Covid can also be done in this period , but it has low sensitivity.
  • 7-14 days: The viral load has now decreased and the antibody levels start rising as the patient moves towards recovery . Antibody tests can be used for detection of immune response.
  • After 14 days: After 14 days , the RT-PCR test should report negative if the patient has recovered. The major Anti-Covid 19 antibody circulated in the body at this stage is IgG*. The Antibody test will still remain positive as antibodies can persist in the body for long, and might provide immunity to future infections.

 How much time does it take to get result of IgG Antibody Test?

  • Sample daily by 11 am, then report available same day.

Antibody Test Interpretations :

RESULT INTERPRETATION
Positive Indicates presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies
Negative Indicates absence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies

What are the pre-requisites for taking the Test?

  • No specific requirements. The test can be performed on blood sample with or without Doctor’s prescription. The test does not need 12-hour fasting.

Can Antibody Testing replace RT-PCR Testing ?

  • No, the purpose of Antibody Testing is only to check past exposure to SARS-Cov-2 (Covid-19) virus, it is not confirmatory diagnostic test. While RT-PCR is confirmatory diagnostic Test, regarded as Gold Standard for SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)

What if RT-PCR is positive , does one need to get Antibody Testing in addition?

  • No Need, RT-PCR confirms the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)

Is the Antibody Testing recommended for children less than 12 years of age?

  • Yes, can be done. However , pediatrician consultation is recommended.

How can i book home collection?

  • Test can be booked on www.snehpathlabs.com and home collection of test on 0120-4146013, 7982496718

Who should get the test done on priority?

According to ICMR Advisory Dated 23-June-2020 .The IgG Test should be prioritized for the following groups of individuals:

  • Immuno-compromised patients,
  • Individuals in containment zones,
  • Health Care Workers,
  • Security personnel,
  • Police and paramilitary personnel civil defense & volunteers,
  • Press corps,
  • Rural, tribal population (after reverse migration),
  • Industrial workers or labour force,
  • Farmers, vendors visiting large markets,
  • Staff in municipal bodies,
  • Drivers, Banks, post, couriers,
  • telecom offices,
  • Shops,
  • Air travel related staff, International operations

How much does the COVID-19 IgG Antibody Test cost?

Price* ₹890 (Anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG Antibody Test)

Why Do We Need Coronavirus Antibody Testing?

  • Detection of IgG antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 may be useful in the following situations:
  • Serosurveys to understand the proportion of population exposed to infection with SARS-CoV-2 including asymptomatic individuals. Depending upon the level of seroprevalence of infection, appropriate public health interventions can be planned and implemented for prevention and control of the disease. Periodic sero surveys are useful to guide the policy makers.

Survey in high risk or vulnerable populations (health care workers, front-line workers, immuno compromised individuals, individuals in containment zones etc) to know who has been infected in the past and has now recovered.

Are COVID-19 Antibody test Accurate?

  • Specificity is 99.8 %.