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fromDorita Plange
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Corona antibody tests: It sounds tempting to simply be tested to see whether the body can cope with a corona infection. The vaccination protection is still sufficient. But it’s not that easy.
Munich – The corona vaccination was six months or more ago for many older people. And everyone is currently wondering: Am I protected? And would my immune system cope with a (re) infection? Antibodies in the blood – obtained by pricking the fingertip or by taking a blood sample – give vaccinated, convalescent and unvaccinated people an answer for at least the following three months. However, without guarantee.
What does the antibody test say?
Because this analysis has little informative value, because so far too little is known which antibodies and at what level reflect an effective protection. The test should be carried out no earlier than four weeks after vaccination or surviving Sars-CoV-2 infection. That is how long it takes for antibodies to form.
Important to know: There are different types of antibodies. IgM and IgA antibodies are so-called acute markers. They are quickly detectable, but decrease rapidly after the second and third weeks of the disease. The production of IgG antibodies only begins after about three weeks. Instead, they can be detected in the blood for much longer. They stand for protection against re-infection and are known as immunity markers. Neutralizing antibodies are a small subgroup of IgG antibodies that can inactivate the Sars-CoV-2 pathogen. Incidentally, the amount of antibodies formed differs enormously from person to person – sometimes by more than a thousand times.
Antibodies against Corona? Laboratory tests give accurate results
There is now a wide range of rapid and laboratory tests. You can do quick tests yourself or in some pharmacies (around 30 euros). The result will be visible after about 20 minutes. However, it only says whether antibodies are present. These tests do not provide any information about the amount. There is also the risk of a false-positive test result. Because Sars-CoV-2 is closely related to other coronaviruses, which only cause colds or intestinal problems.
Laboratory tests provide more accurate, detailed results. The patient bears the costs to the doctor (25 to 70 euros). Because of the large number of methods, it makes sense to have the evaluation explained to you by a doctor. There are also tests that you can do at home on the Internet and in drugstores. The sample is sent in, the analysis report is sent by email. Cost: around 40 euros.
Antibodies as a glimpse into the future
A look into the future: The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) in Leipzig is researching whether antibodies can predict the course of a Covid 19 disease. “Antibodies are like reporters – they tell us what the immune system has already seen of the virus,” reports Managing Director Michael Szardenings.
The hypothesis: If the immune system knows the innermost part of the virus, i.e. if the antibodies are directed against all viral components, that speaks for a very promising immune response. If, on the other hand, they are limited to the surface of the virus, this could indicate an inadequate immune response and thus a serious course of the disease.
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