With all the conversation about the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine in the news it’s not surprising that many have diverted from talking about additional tests that are currently available for protecting against COVID-19. Antibody testing determines whether you had COVID-19 in the past and now have antibodies against the virus, that could potentially give temporary immunization. Here’s what you need to know about antibody testing:
The CDC developed a laboratory test to help estimate how many people in the United States have already been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC has also developed guidance for the use of antibody tests in clinical and public health settings. i There are current 65 FDA approved antibody tests available in the market.
Antibody testing, also known as serology testing, is typically done after full recovery from COVID-19. A health care professional takes a blood sample, usually by a finger prick or by drawing blood from a vein in the arm. The sample is then tested to determine whether you’ve developed antibodies against the virus. The immune system produces these antibodies/proteins that are critical for fighting and clearing out the virus .
Serology tests play a role in the fight against COVID-19 by helping healthcare professionals identify those who may have developed an immune response to the virus. An additional benefit of antibody testing is that those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be able to donate a part of their blood called convalescent plasma. This plasma could serve as a possible treatment for those who are seriously ill from COVID-19 and potentially boost their ability to fight the virus. ii
Through tests like these, researchers and healthcare professionals can work on identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and may have developed an immune response. This information could potentially be used to help determine, alongside with other clinical data, whether those individuals are less vulnerable to infection. iii
Terumo Medical Corporation is the preferred NuEdge CONNECT program for Hypodermic products. Terumo manufactures two blood collection devices that could be used in these serology tests: Capiject Safety Lancets, and Surshield Safety Winged Blood Collection Sets.
Terumo’s Surshield Safety Winged Blood Collection Sets
FDA: Coronavirus Serology Test Performance
Mayo Clinic: COVID-19 Antibody Testing
FDA: Coronavirus Serology Tests
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