Antibody Test
(SARS-CoV2-IgG) to detect COVID-19
An accurate, easy and simple blood test to know if you had a novel coronavirus infection recently
Omicron, Vaccinations & Antibody Test
Then comes the news of Omicron, the latest SARS-Cov-2 variant of concern, which is reportedly more transmissible if not deadlier than its predecessors.
Schools are reinitiating offline classes, workplaces are calling people back to offices, homes are opening to hired help. Now, more than ever, we must follow due diligence.
How do we continue to protect our loved ones against the variants?
We must do antibody tests if we have already been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19. Knowing our antibody levels will not only boost our confidence but also help our doctors advise if it’s time to get booster doses.
Authorities in India are contemplating the approval of booster doses. The vaccines available right now can give us protection even against the new variants to a reasonable extent. Research is being conducted by manufacturers to modify the vaccines and combat the newest mutations.
GOI is renewing efforts on diagnostics, genomic surveillance, evidence collection on viral and epidemiologic characteristics, and therapeutics development.
As Karnataka and other states being reporting cases, the healthcare community cautions everybody to practice the Mask-Physical distance-Hand Hygiene protocol even more stringently than before.
Book Online: COVID-19 Test in Clinic | Home Visit
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A human body produces antibodies in blood when it fights an infectious disease like COVID-19. A similar instance is when you take a particular vaccine shot against flu. This is how immunity is built up against a virus.
The Antibody Test (SARS-CoV2-IgG) for COVID-19 has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (advisory dated June 23, 2020).
Who should be tested?
- If you have been vaccinated against SARS-Cov-2, or
- If there’s a possibility you have come into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient recently, or
- If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and have fully recovered,
You can get tested to check your antibody levels.
Remember
When you should get a COVID-19 antibody test (SARS-CoV2-IgG)?
Quick facts about Antibody Test (SARS-CoV2-IgG) for COVID-19
Fast
Antibody analysis can be done in 18 minutes. The report can be generated on the same day.
Easy
Simple Process
Sample Collections
We can collect your sample in our labs, or from your home, office, factory, as per your convenience.
Preparations
How much does the COVID-19 Antibody Test (SARS-CoV2-IgG) Costs at RxDx?
The cost of antibody test is ₹500/-* (*₹ 1,200 at RxDx SAMANVAY, Malleswaram, North Bengaluru) if samples are collected at our branch clinics in Whitefield, Kadugodi, Siddapura and Malleswaram. A home visit for the same costs ₹400/- extra within a 5 km radius of our branches.
RxDx is organizing camps all over Bengaluru and adjoining districts for Antibody Tests. Apartments, societies, offices, corporates, factories or industries can contact our helpline numbers or leave their details in the Request for Info Forms to receive a call back from our representatives. Camp costs are as follows:
| Antibody Tests for COVID-19 (Onsite Drives/Camp) in and around Bengaluru | RxDx Charges (₹) | RxDx SAMANVAY Charges (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| For a batch of 1 to 5 persons | 900 | 1500 |
| For a batch of 6 to 10 persons | 850 | 1300 |
| For a batch of 11 to 24 persons | 800 | 1100 |
| For a batch of 25 to 49 persons | 750 | 900 |
| For a batch of 50 and above persons | 700 | 700 |
| COVID Sample Collection and Reporting Schedule @ RxDx (wef March 23, 2022) (Note: Rapid Antigen Test Report in 4 Hrs and Covid Antibody Test Report within 24 Hrs) |
Antibody Test (SARS-CoV2-IgG) vs Antigen Test
Antigen Test
The COVID-19 antigen test detects certain proteins that are a part of the virus. Using a nasal or throat swab to get a fluid sample, antigen tests can produce results much faster than the RT-PCR Test. These tests are also less expensive than molecular tests. As a result, some experts consider antigen tests to be a more practical approach when a large number of people need to be tested. Antigen tests aren’t as sensitive as molecular tests are. A positive antigen test result is considered very accurate, but there’s an increased chance of false negatives, which means it is possible to be infected with the virus but still produce a negative antigen test result.
Antibody Test (SARS-CoV2-IgG)
The body immune system produces antibodies or proteins that are critical for fighting any pathogen like the coronavirus. IgM Antibodies against COVID-19 can be observed after a median of 10-13 days since the onset of symptoms while it may take about 12-14 days for IgG antibodies to appear.
IgM levels increase in the beginning and then decline in a few weeks. IgG seropositivity can rise and then fall, and gradually stabilise to remain so for a long time. Also, the body stores information on the IgG and the relevant virus so the antibodies can be produced fast if another infection occurs in future. The chronological order of IgM and IgG antibody appearance is variable but both types can be detected simultaneously for a certain time.
Few important points to consider about the Antibody Test (SARS-CoV2-IgG) results
What should you do if you test positive for COVID-19 antibodies?
- Don’t let your guard down if your antibodies test results are positive. Continue to protect yourself and others since you could get infected with the virus again. Scientists are working to understand this. If you work in a job where you wear personal protective equipment (PPE), continue wearing PPE
- It is quite possible that some antibody tests can mistake IgM and IgG antibodies from other coronaviruses, such as the common cold strains, for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
- If your antibody test result for SARS-CoV-2 is positive, it probably means you were infected by the virus recently. However, it is also possible to get a “false positive” if you have antibodies but had a different kind of coronavirus
- A positive antibody result might mean you have some immunity to the coronavirus. But it certainly is not your immunity passport. In fact, it’s premature to know how strong your antibodies are and how long they can give you protection against COVID-19
- Your test results for antibodies may turn out to be positive even if you have never had symptoms of COVID-19. This usually happens if you had an infection without symptoms, which is called asymptomatic infection
What does it mean if you test negative for COVID-19 antibodies?
- A negative result might indicate that either you have not come into contact with the novel coronavirus or you have not had it long enough to make antibodies against COVID-19. You could also have been exposed and not have antibodies. This is called a false negative.
FAQs
How do we get antibodies in our body?
Antigens trigger the production of antibodies, also called immunoglobulins. Five types of immunoglobulins are produced in our body for different purposes. IgM and IgG are the major players in detection of COVID infection.
How antibody test is done for COVID-19?
How can antibody test help in studying Herd Immunity?
Dr Lalit Kant, former head of epidemiology and infectious disease at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), advised, “A sero survey is necessary to find out the true burden of the infection in the city or state. More importantly it helps identify the number of asymptomatic people who had the disease and recovered from it. Such people, in most cases, are not even aware that they are infected.” – Hindustan Times
Know More
How antibody test is done for COVID-19?
Antigens trigger the production of antibodies, also called immunoglobulins. Five types of immunoglobulins are produced in our body for different purposes. IgM and IgG are the major players in detection of COVID infection.
What makes some people more vulnerable to COVID?
How an antibody test works?
Why Antibody test is important for COVID-19?
How is the immune system in older people related to COVID severity?
What are T cells?
T cells- named after the organ of origin, focus on specific pathogens, and play more than one role in fighting off an infection. Some types like helper T cells stimulate B cells to produce antibodies while other types produce cytokines that in turn, further stimulate the immune system.
