An IgG antibody test detects the presence of antibodies fighting against the novel coronavirus. IgG is seen in most patients after 8-13 days of the onset of the infection and remains in the bloodstream even after recovery. However, the World Health Organisation states that there is insufficient information on the following parameters:
With the overwhelming amount of news on COVID in India, it can be easy to get misguided on what tests to take for your condition. A COVID-19 diagnostic test and a COVID-19 antibody test is often misunderstood to be the same. As the name suggests, a COVID-19 diagnostic test is performed to diagnose a person for COVID-19. An IgG antibody test is used to detect the antibodies in blood fighting against the infection. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to protect against foreign substances (antigens).
The basic COVID-19 IgG antibody test kit detects antibodies against COVID-19 in your bloodstream. Antibodies are formed as an immune response to fight against bacteria and viruses. A phlebotomist will draw blood and send the sample for analysing the presence of antibodies. Your IgG test results will indicate if antibodies have been detected in your blood or not.
The basic COVID-19 antibody test kit consists of one test:
You should get a COVID-19 IgG antibody test if:
By doing so, not only will you learn about your immunity status, but you will also help experts gain a better understanding of how to control the spread of the novel virus. If you are concerned, consult a general physician to understand if you need a COVID-19 diagnostic test or a COVID-19 IgG antibody test.
The eligibility of both tests will depend on two factors:
While a basic IgG antibody test only checks for the presence of IgG antibodies, you can also check for your body’s total antibodies count by availing a complete COVID-19 antibody test kit. As the name suggests, this blood test checks for your total antibodies count. Consult a doctor to get more clarity on which test you will prefer to satisfy your needs.
A positive IgG antibody test indicates that you may have been infected by coronavirus recently. A positive IgG test result means that your body has registered an immune response to the infection in the form of IgG antibodies to provide long-term immunity. However, the duration is still under research as experts believe that IgG antibodies could stay for up to 6 months in the blood. This may protect the individual from getting re-infected with COVID-19.
A negative IgG antibody test simply means that antibodies were not detected in the blood. This IgG test result can be due to two factors:
A negative IgG test result does not mean you should stop following COVID-19 safety guidelines. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, ensure you stay in isolation and consult with a general physician on MedKare to understand which test is suitable for you. Further, if you experience persistent COVID-19 symptoms, you can consider getting a HRCT chest scan. For more clarity, contact the local board of health of to find the appropriate treatment options based on your needs. It is crucial to note that COVID-19 diagnostic test & IgG antibody test accuracy is not always 100%. It is possible to test negative even after being infected by the virus. You can also seek advice on a COVID blood test to avoid any further complications. Thus, it is imperative to keep following COVID-19 guidelines of such as social distancing and covering your face
Since the COVID-19 Outbreak, researchers and medical experts are trying to analyse the antibody response following infection to SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19. According to several studies, most people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 are likely to develop antibodies specific to this virus. However, the levels of these antibodies can differ from person to person. Studies are underway to better understand the levels of antibodies and how they can help in protecting against covid-19 exposure.
IgG antibody test kits are available online to complete the process in your home while safely practicing social distancing. You can book antibody test on MedKare and consult with top general physicians. Your blood will be drawn and collected by a lab technician during your selected time-slot. The blood sample will be sent for analysis by top pathologists. To make it easier, you will receive your IgG test results within just 48 hours.
At Medkare , we ensure you receive the professional health care services that you deserve. We are an online health care platform to make medical services easily accessible and affordable for everyone. Your convenience is our priority, and that’s why we have health packages catering to COVID-19 IgG antibody testing done at the comfort of your home.
While a basic IgG antibody test only checks for the presence of the subtype IgG antibody, a complete COVID-19 antibody test kit checks for a total antibodies count. Consult your doctor to get more clarity on which test to perform based on your health condition.
You can get your test IgG test results in just 24-72 hours. Your blood will be drawn and collected by a lab technician during your selected time-slot. The blood sample will be sent for analysis by top pathologists in Bengaluru. After analysing your blood sample, the test results will be uploaded to your profile on MFine, while ensuring the utmost privacy of your medical data.
A general doctor will consult with you once your COVID-19 antibody medical report is uploaded. After the IgG test results interpretation, the general doctor will give recommendations for the way forward, depending on your body condition.
A doctor’s prescription is not required to get an antibody test for COVID-19. However, it is always advisable to consult with a general doctor if you feel the need to. A physician can understand your body condition and recommend options based on your needs.
MedKare is a holistic healthcare company that aims to make healthcare accessible and affordable in the country. In order to streamline the functioning of the health industry, we have brought doctors, pharmacists, phlebotomists and consumers under one digital ambit. This will save you from the burden of waiting in long queues, riding to a medical store or visiting a doctor.