In a very short matter of time, COVID-19 has changed life in a number of ways, from statewide quarantine mandates to required face coverings, businesses closing, and millions of people losing their jobs. Recovery from this global pandemic has been estimated to take many months if not years, but first we must figure out how to slow the spread of the virus.Here at Covid Clinic, Inc., we have been working hard to offer a variety of COVID-19 tests at numerous drive-thru testing sites throughout California and Arizona. One of the tests we offer is the COVID-19 Antibody Test. In today’s blog post, we are going to look deeper into the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, why you should be tested, and offer more detailed information about our COVID-19 Antibody Test.For additional information about the test, or to book an appointment, please visit our website.
What Is COVID-19 and Its Symptoms?
COVID-19, more scientifically known as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a respiratory illness that affects people in many different ways. Symptoms have varied from mild cold or flu-like symptoms to severe and even fatal respiratory infections that cause oxygen levels to drop dangerously low. Some patients infected with the COVID-19 virus have also proven to be asymptomatic, meaning they show no signs of the virus at all, yet are still extremely contagious. Our team at Covid Clinic, Inc. is still working tirelessly to learn all the details about COVID-19, but here are some of the most common symptoms that you should watch out for:
Coughing
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty Breathing
Fever
Chills
Muscle Pain
Headaches
Sore Throat
New Loss of Taste
New Loss of Smell
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, our team of experts recommend getting tested as soon as possible. Covid Clinic, Inc. offers a variety of COVID-19 tests, including rapid tests for fast results and antibody tests for those that are or have previously been infected with the COVID-19 virus. Visit our website for a full list of all of our COVID-19 tests, and to schedule an appointment at a testing site near you.
What Is The COVID-19 Antibody Test?
Our COVID-19 Antibody Test is known as the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Antibody test. This test is an immunoassay blood test used to detect antibodies to the COVID-19 virus. The Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Antibody test was created to detect those that have recently been infected with the COVID-19 virus, as well as identify individuals with an adaptive immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is recommended that you get our COVID-19 Antibody Test around 14 days after getting a positive PCR test. Being tested prior to the 14-day mark can result in false negative results as antibodies have not fully developed. If you have any questions or concerns about our COVID-19 Antibody Test, contact our team at Covid Clinic Inc. today!
How Does The COVID-19 Antibody Test Work?
The Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Antibody blood test that we use at Covid Clinic, Inc. tests your serum and plasma to find antibodies to the COVID-19 virus several days after initial infection. By using the sandwich principle, the laboratory will incubate your sample along with specific antigens. Once the reaction is complete, the results will be determined by comparing the electrochemiluminescence signal obtained from the reaction. Results for this specific test take between two and five days to receive, and will be communicated to the patient immediately. According to suggestions on the FDA’s website, this test has a specificity of 99.8% and sensitivity of 99.5% when performed ≥ 14 days after confirmatory PCR testing of previous infection of the COVID-19 virus.At our Covid Clinic, Inc. drive-thru testing sites that offer our COVID-19 Antibody testing services, the following will be included:
Pre-Test Screening
Specimen Collection
Presentation of Results
Post-Result Telemedicine Consultation
Potential Risks:
Possible discomfort or other complications that can occur during sample collection similar to those of giving blood for other purposes
Possible incorrect test results (although unlikely)
Potential Benefits:
The results from the COVID-19 Antibody Test can help your healthcare provider make informed recommendations about your specific care
Getting tested for antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus may result in limiting COVID-19 exposure to your family, friends, and community
Like all of the COVID-19 tests we provide at Covid Clinic, Inc., our COVID-19 Antibody Test has been given an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to ensure our patients that the testing we perform is highly researched and safe to use.
What Happens If I Test Positive?
Receiving a positive test result to the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Antibody test likely means that you are or have previously been infected with the COVID-19 virus, and that an antibody response was created within your immune system to fight off the illness. Once we have received your test results, one of our healthcare professionals will set up a telemedicine consultation to communicate the results. After speaking to our healthcare team, we recommend consulting your normal healthcare provider so that they can assist in giving you appropriate next steps to follow based on your past medical records and recent COVID-19 test findings.
What Happens If I Test Negative?
Testing negative to our COVID-19 Antibody Test means that no antibodies to the virus were found in your blood sample. In general, this implies that you are not currently or have previously been infected with the COVID-19 virus. However, it is possible to receive false negative results for a number of reasons — one of which is being tested too soon after initial infection as the antibodies to the virus may not yet be present. To help prevent false negatives, wait at least 14 days after initially showing symptoms and receiving a positive PCR test. With the possibility of false negatives, our team at Covid Clinic, Inc. recommends still consulting your healthcare provider after receiving a negative COVID-19 Antibody Test result for proper next steps as they may still want you to take precautions based on your medical history.
Schedule Your COVID-19 Antibody Test Today!
At Covid Clinic, Inc., we are doing everything we can to assist communities throughout California and Arizona in feeling safe in these unprecedented times. If you have previously tested positive for COVID-19 or believe that you have been exposed to the virus, we urge you to get tested. Your healthcare provider and our expert staff can assist you in choosing the right test for your specific situation to ensure as accurate of results as possible. Covid Clinic, Inc. has numerous testing sites to provide you with a convenient drive-thru testing option near your location. Book an appointment today to receive any of our other COVID-19 tests, including our COVID-19 Antibody Test. Feel free to contact our team today with any additional questions or concerns!
