SARS COV-2 (Covid-19)- S (Spike Protein) Antibody, Quantitative Test
SARS COV-2 (Covid-19)- S (Spike Protein) Antibody, Quantitative Test
SARS-CoV-2 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is the virus that caused the 2019 outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), causing a pandemic in the world. This particular virus has four structural proteins, one of which is the spike protein which is found on the surface of the virus. Many tests were developed to diagnose the infection. Tests that could detect the genetic material of the virus were developed. Tests were also developed to understand the immune response against this virus or against vaccination. One of those tests is the quantitative determination of antibody specific to the spike protein of the virus present in the body.
What is the SARS COV-2 (Covid-19)- S (Spike Protein) Antibody, Quantitative Test Used For?
This test can be used to detect if antibodies (chemicals released by the immune system in response to foreign bodies entering our bodies) have been produced in response to a spike protein present on the surface of the virus causing COVID-19. This test can then indicate that antibodies have been produced due to either prior or recent infection of SARS-CoV-2 or due to vaccination against this virus. Antibodies are developed by within two weeks of the infection or vaccination, and can remain up to 3-4 months after the infection.
Symptoms of SARS COV-2 (Covid-19)
Some of the symptoms of Covid-19 are
Fever
Chills
Breathing difficulties
Fatigue
Muscle weakness or pain
Headache
Not able to taste or smell Foods
Sore throat
Runny nose
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Preparation for Test
Before the test, let your general physician know of any medication, supplements or treatments that you are taking or are currently undergoing. There are no special preparation for this test.
Interpretation of Test Results
Different manufacturers have designed tests to detect the presence of antibodies against the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2. The units they use might be different. One cannot rule out current infection status from this test. This test can only comment on immunization due to past infections or vaccination.
Negative test: Having an antibody level of less than 50.0 AU/mL may indicate that you do not have enough antibodies against the spike protein of the virus. This can mean that you may not have been infected with the virus, or the sample has been drawn early and the body has not developed the antibodies yet.
Positive Test: Having an antibody level more than equal to 50.0 AU/mL may indicate that either due to vaccination or due to a recent infection, enough antibodies against the spike protein of the virus have been developed. In another test developed by a different manufacturer, having a result more than equal to 0.80 U/mL indicates a positive result.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the SARS COV-2 (Covid-19)- S (Spike Protein) Antibody, Quantitative test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for SARS COV-2 (Covid-19)- S (Spike Protein) Antibody, Quantitative test?
The tests results should come within 1-3 days after the sample is taken. This time would depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis.
What should we do if we get a positive result?
This test is not designed for detecting current infection. This test only indicates if the body has developed some immune response towards the spike protein of the virus, which would indicate you have had an infection before or it might also be due to vaccination. Only molecular tests can reveal if you are currently having an infection.
Does a negative result mean a person is prone to COVID-19 infection?
A negative result would mean that no antibody to the spike protein of the virus has been found in the sample. This can either mean that you have been recently infected, and body has not made enough antibodies yet. It can also mean that this infection might have been with minimal symptoms or you might have a weak immune system.
Does a positive result mean a person is immune to the COVID-19 infection?
A positive test means that the sample has antibodies produced in response to the spike protein. This might be due to a recent infection. But this does not mean that you are immune to future infections. More studies are required to understand long term immunity to this disease.
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