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COVID-19 has affected millions of people around the world. Even those who haven’t been infected have had life-changing safety protocols put in place that impact every aspect of their daily life. As everyone adjusts to this “new normal”, many people are still living in fear of the virus. Antibody testing has provided a reprieve from that fear, but what exactly even is an antibody test?
What is Antibody Testing?
Antibody testing is a blood test that evaluates the proteins present in your immune system. If certain proteins are present, it indicates that your body has developed an immunity to COVID-19. To develop an immunity, you had to have been exposed to the virus at some point, even if you never felt any COVID-19 symptoms.
How is it Different from Diagnostic Testing?
Diagnostic testing is used to test for a current case of COVID-19. This testing is typically done if someone is presenting COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Antibody testing does not test for a current case of COVID-19, only for immunity that has been built from a previous exposure.
What the Testing Process Like? ‘
COVID-19 antibody testing is quick, easy, and almost painless. A simple blood draw is taken from the patient. Then, the blood is shipped to an independent laboratory where the antibody test is performed. Results typically come back in 2 business days, although sometimes it’s even quicker! If you receive a positive result, that means that you have antibodies against the virus. Experts aren’t sure how long those antibodies last though. This means that if the virus mutates, you may be able to get infected again. A timeline for immunity won’t be able to be developed until COVID-19 has been around longer and more people become immune.
Who Can be Tested?
Anyone who wants to be tested and isn’t currently displaying symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested! Since testing is done through a blood test, younger children may struggle to have the test done.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing in Hillsdale, NJ
If you want to know if you’re immune to COVID-19 or not, we can help! Our facility is sanitized regularly and staffs only the highest trained medical professionals. All of our team members wear PPE and take every precaution possible to keep you safe. Give us a call today to learn more about COVID-19 antibody testing! Schedule a telemedicine visit today to go over your symptoms with one of our physicians.
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