Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, PCR and antibody tests have become topics of curiosity. In our previous article, we shared information about PCR tests, and in this article, we will address common questions about antibody tests.
What are Antibodies?
Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign molecules such as viruses, bacteria, and antigens. These proteins are typically found in the body’s fluids.
Each antibody produced by the immune system is unique because every new bacterium or virus the body encounters has a different structure, and antibodies are produced to combat these viruses’ specific structures. This enables antibodies to protect the body more effectively.
Two types of antibodies are produced in our bodies:
Immunoglobulin M (IgM): These are early-stage antibodies. IgM antibodies are not protective; they are produced to fight the virus. They appear on the 7th day after infection and disappear by the 21st day.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG): These are late-stage antibodies. IgG antibodies have a protective function. They are produced on the 14th day after infection and stay in the bloodstream for a long time, providing immunity against the virus.
What is an Antibody Test?
An antibody test is a type of serological test used to detect the antibodies the body produces in response to foreign molecules such as viruses, bacteria, and antigens, examine their structure, and assess immunity levels. While it is one of the Covid-19 tests, it is not limited to Covid-19. It can be used in other areas as well.
Areas of Use:
Assess the state of antibodies the body has produced against microorganisms,
Monitor the course of infections,
Investigate the causes of transfusion (blood transfusion) reactions or organ rejection after transplants,
Diagnose problems caused by allergies, hepatitis, HIV, liver diseases, syphilis, lupus, thyroid or autoimmune disorders.
How is the Antibody Test Applied?
There are two methods for applying the antibody test:
Rapid diagnostic kits: These provide results in a short time (15 minutes) and can be used at home. However, since it takes time for the body to produce antibodies, results may not be reliable if applied in the first days after symptoms appear.
Antibody test: This method provides more accurate results by analyzing blood samples in a laboratory setting. However, it takes longer to obtain results compared to diagnostic kits, typically within 3-5 days.
Covid-19 Antibody Test
The antibody test has gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the outbreak, it became a crucial tool for determining precautions and detecting individuals who were infected but showed no symptoms.
It is also used to examine the antibodies produced by people who have recovered after being diagnosed with Covid-19. The antibody test plays a key role in identifying infected individuals and measuring the community’s immunity level against Covid-19.
How to Interpret Antibody Test Results?
A positive antibody test result indicates that the body may have produced antibodies against Covid-19 and other infections from the same virus family. Antibody production against Covid-19 helps protect individuals from re-infection. However, while antibodies provide protection, the duration of this protection cannot be measured by the test.
A negative result suggests that the person has not been infected with Covid-19 or has not produced antibodies.
When Should You Get an Antibody Test?
The timing of the antibody test and the type of test influence the accuracy of the result. If you test for antibodies when infection symptoms have just begun, the test will not detect antibodies as the immune system has just started producing them. Therefore, for accurate results, an antibody test should be conducted at least 14 days after symptoms have started.
Why Should You Get a Covid-19 Antibody Test?
It is important to get a Covid-19 antibody test for the following reasons:
Companies use antibody tests to screen for immunity, which helps plan the return-to-work process more accurately.
High-risk individuals, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases, can take preventive measures based on the results of their antibody tests.
Antigen and antibody test results are required for domestic and international flights.
The level of immunity in the community can be measured using antibody tests.
Is the Covid-19 Antibody Test Sufficient for Diagnosis?
An antibody test alone is not sufficient for diagnosing Covid-19. To make an accurate diagnosis, the following methods should be used:
First, a Covid-19 PCR test should be conducted.
Antibody tests are used to determine whether a person has previously been infected with Covid-19 and the immunity developed against the virus.
A positive result for Covid IgM antibodies suggests that the infection is in its active phase. However, to confirm the diagnosis, a Covid PCR test should be performed.
Is the Antibody Test Kit Reliable?
The reliability of antibody tests conducted in laboratories using methods like ELISA is reported to be 99.9%. However, rapid antibody tests using blood samples taken from the finger are less reliable than laboratory tests. To obtain accurate and reliable results, it is best to consult a laboratory that performs antibody tests.
Difference Between Antibody and Antigen Tests
Antibody and antigen tests should not be confused. An antibody test is not the same as an antigen test. Antigen tests detect the presence of infection, meaning they measure whether a person is sick. On the other hand, antibody tests measure the immunity level, whether the person has developed immunity to the virus, and whether they have been previously infected. Therefore, antibody tests cannot provide information about whether the person is currently sick at the time of testing.
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