They’re all over the news lately – and soon, they’ll be all over the world. But how do antibody tests actually work? And what do they mean for the global battle against COVID-19?
Today, we’re going to break it all down as simply as possible. You’ll learn what an antibody test is and how they work, plus a bit about how they may impact our COVID-19 recovery. It’s still early days, but there have been a number of exciting breakthroughs already… we’re making big steps forward!
What is an antibody test?
Antibody tests are special tests that detect antibodies in a person’s blood. These tests are also known as “serological tests” or “antigen tests” (which may be slightly different, but generally have the same goal: find out if you’re immune to a given disease).
They usually come in the form of a device that pricks your finger, extracting a small blood sample. This device is sent to a lab, where the blood is screened for antibodies.
As you may know, antibodies are our body’s natural defense system. You can think of them like specially trained agents. They’re trained to fight a single disease, and they do it really well. But they take time to “train” – and if the infection is dangerous, your body might not have enough time. (That’s why we use vaccines – they “train” antibodies so they’re prepared in advance when a “real attack” comes!)
So! Unlike a COVID-19 test, which checks for the presence of the disease itself, you want to be positive for an antibody test – it likely means you’re immune to the disease. (But it’s not guaranteed – more on that in a moment!)
How do antibody tests work?
First, it’s important to know that there are two types of antibodies:
- IgM antibodies, which show up early in an infection (and help fight it)
- IgG antibodies, which generally show up once you’ve recovered (to prevent it coming back)
For a while, we did not have accurate versions of these tests. However, two companies have recently developed highly accurate tests: Swiss company Roche and American company Abbott Laboratories. Both of the new COVID-19 antibody tests look for both of these types of antibodies, making them both comprehensive and highly accurate.
In fact, these new tests have 100% sensitivity – which means that if you have COVID-19 antibodies, the test will catch them every single time. (There is a very small chance of a false positive, but zero chance of a false negative.)
It’s no wonder that world governments are seeking millions of these tests. They can provide critical information in a time of uncertainty. However, we do need to take them with a grain of salt… because (like everything else in this crisis) nothing is certain. Which leads us to the big question:
Do antibodies protect you against COVID-19?
So, it would be great if we knew this was the case… that would mean that anyone who tests positive could freely go about their business without worry.
But sadly… we simply don’t know for sure if antibodies prevent future COVID-19 infection – and even if they do, we don’t know how long they’ll last.
Theoretically, antibodies should protect you. So if you test positive for COVID-19 antibodies, that probably means you can’t get infected again soon. But since COVID-19 is still new, we don’t know if this is true… or how long your immunity would last.
Right now, only a small percentage of people being tested have antibodies. We don’t know if everyone will get them – or if they provide a reliable way to know who’s immune.
That said, antibody tests are still very helpful right now – they provide a bit of crucial information in a time of great uncertainty.
How are antibody tests different from the standard COVID-19 tests?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been using a test called the RT-PCR test (the test you hear about on the news). This test checks for the virus itself. However, these tests are often inaccurate… and once someone recovers, they won’t likely show signs of the virus. That makes it difficult to know how many people have had the disease overall.
That’s why experts are pushing for antibody (and antigen) tests. Although they may not be able to predict who is immune, they will give us a LOT more information about the spread of the virus. This allows us to better protect ourselves as we re-open the economy.
Why are antibody tests important in fighting COVID-19?
First off, widespread antibody tests would help workers get back to work sooner. If we know someone has antibodies, we know it’s extremely unlikely that they will be contagious OR catch COVID-19. The more people who have antibodies, the more general immunity we have in the population (in theory).
Antibody tests also help us understand the general spread of the virus. Right now, we only have single cases and stories to work from regarding widespread (or “herd”) immunity. But once we start seeing big data about infection and antibody rates, we will learn about the risks of a new outbreak happening again.
Finally, having the antibody tests gives us peace of mind as we all slowly get back to “normal” – whatever that turns out to be. Ideally, we will soon learn more about the antibodies themselves to determine how “safe” they make you. But for that, only time will tell.
Conclusion: Antibody tests are an important step forward, but the waiting game continues
We hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about these tests that are all over the news lately. We think they’re a very positive sign, even despite their faults. The more information we have, the better we can work together to solve this crisis and start looking forward again.
Psst… we love hearing from our readers! If you have any questions or comments about this article, please let us know in the comments below. We’ll see you next week!
Alan crome says
From what I have read looking very good early days yet 1st time to date
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175864442432372 says
The one sure way to keep from getting COVID-19 AND ALSO KILLING IT IF YOU HAVE IT IS oxygen! 02 & 03!
Fred Hicks says
I hope everyone can be tested for the virus and also to see if they have antibodies that lets them know if they once had this covid19 in recent past. I work in the medical delivery field . My job puts me on the front line and than some.I tested at a facility in CO.Springs Colorado with a negative result for Covid19. Yet I still wonder if I am immune to it since I have been exceptionally well all my life as far as viruses of any kind have came and went over my years .
Jean Burnett says
I hope to get the antibody test. I share life with my husband who has it, have never serrated. I did NOT get Covid 19, but he’s been struggling for two months.
David Sleater says
From an old “engineering writer,” I commend you on the clarity of your presentation.
Article was well thought out and simply executed. Importantly, you state and qualify what is “known and unknown,” and the methodologies and goals for each topic!
GiddyUp says
Thank you David, very kind! We’re glad you enjoyed the article 🙂
Gary cobler says
great info. Should I get tested regardless of not be contacted with the virus?
GiddyUp says
Hi Gary, thanks for your comment! At this point we recommend following recommendations from medical experts and government authorities. If you’re in an area where the virus was never present, we’re guessing you won’t have to take the test. But it looks like the goal is to get as many people tested as possible – at least eventually.
Sharie Groot says
Good article, but who is going to be giving these tests and when? My husband thinks he had it in Nov, I was out of state at the time, I’ve tested negative to having the virus currently but did I get it from him last year and am now immune and did he really have it in Nov and now has the antibodies. I took the test to be a “baseline”, and I’m 70 he’s 82 and works as an engineer with a lot of Asians who had been back and forth to Asia before anyone knew about this virus, What determines who get this test and when?
GiddyUp says
Hi Sharie, we’re not sure on how the tests will be rolled out yet. The tests developed very quickly, and it looks like they will also be able to produce them in large numbers quickly, but it’s not clear how they will be given out. We’ll keep an eye out and update you if we find out. Thanks for your comment!
Joanne Renfrey says
I am interested in getting this test. I live in a remote area in Australia, and I have had a flu-like illness, symptoms of which were very like those described for Covid19. It was only severe on the 6th day; (hot cold sweats, a bit hard to breathe, chest tightness, headache), but after trying an age-old method learnt from my grandmother, which works to clear airways and lungs, I slept for hours and was better after, and completely back to normal within three days of the ‘recovery day’. My housemate who I share the house with, did not keep isolated from me, and he did not get sick at all. No surprise, as in the 30 years we have known each other he has only had a slight flu once. I stayed home for a further two weeks after I recovered. I am very keen to find out where and how these tests for antibodies might be available. I am in my 60’s and have diabetes and fibromyalgia, but I do not take any mainstream medication; instead I manage my conditions with diet and lifestyle. I do not have flu shots and only had the flu once in the last twenty years.
Gildas says
May we ask for your “Grandma remedy” Thank you. cheers!
Joanne Renfrey says
Yes, certainly. You need a large bowl, with a circumference of at least 25cm, and around 15cm deep; also some vicks vaporub or similar menthol chest-rub (I used a generic brand). The important ingredient is the Menthol; it needs to be pretty strong.And you need hot water, and a towel.
Place about a heaped teaspoon-size dollop of the chestrub into a bowl, and add hot water to about 3/4 full. (You may need to add more hot or some cold water later).
Sit the bowl on the table, and sit in a chair in front, inclining your face over the bowl. Place the towel over you head and tuck around the bowl so that it is all enclosed. It needs to be quite hot, just short of becoming uncomfortably hot on your face, so if not hot enough, add more hot, and if too hot add a little bit of cold water. You need to water to ‘steam’. Once you are comfortable and the temp is right, breathe in slowly and deeply into your lungs, directly through open mouth. Breathe right down into your belly for up to the slow count of ten, hold the breath for count of 6 or more, then breathe out slowly. You will feel the effect of the menthol steam in your lungs. Repeat deep breathing about ten or so times, then stay over bowl remaining covered with towel, and breathing normally, for a further ten minutes. When finished, keep your head and face covered, as it is easy to catch a ‘chill’ while your head and face are hot. Get straight into a warm bed and rest for at least an hour or more.
Keep in mind, though, that while this does certainly relieve congestion in the lungs, it is not a miracle cure. I did not have a very strong reaction to the virus; as I have a very strong immune system. (I do not take immuno-suppressant meds for my diabetes or my fibromyalgia. That is critical to having a strong immune system). Clearing the lungs just helps the immune system to get the better of the virus.
Elaine Newby says
Thank you,I also have diabetes and fibromyalgia as well as other physical problems. I will try this treatment and hopefully it will control my breathing problems if not more. I think this is a wonderful site! It’s a great place to get needed information on just about anything. I’m only 73 which isn’t old, and tired of not feeling like I used to feel.
Jean Burnett says
I’m interested in hearing more comments Re: your experiences. As I said, I think we both had Corona in late Dec into 3rd week of Jan.
Then, in March he again got what I see are also post Corona attack which has given him heart problems, sleepless
nights , breathless when lying down, and general weakness & tiredness. Doctor is treating him for heart failure. Currently he’s on a ten day stint of a heart monitor, similar to attachments on chest as per an EKG. I can only watch & fret, keeping him hydrated. Shouldn’t cardiologists investigate the connection? Should I get a second opinion?
Meanwhile I am waiting to have an antibodies test as soon as they are considered reliable.
Jean Burnett says
Our local urgent care is now offering the Covid 19 test so maybe it will be a short wait to get antibody test. Abbot labs incorrectly stated 99% instead the real % is around 60%
ALBERT SHIMUNOV says
I would like to buy one or two of it
Florence Puma says
how can I buy one
GiddyUp says
Hi Florence, at this point we don’t believe it’s possible to purchase one. However, governments are looking for ways to obtain them. Ideally we will all be tested (and hopefully for free), but only time will tell how these are spread to the public.