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Coronavirus Antibody Test: How Does It Work?

​An antibody test is a screening for things known as antibodies in your blood. Your body develops these when it fights against infection, like COVID-19. The same thing occurs when you get a vaccine, like a flu shot. That’s how you boost your immunity. 

The antibody test is not for checking the virus. Instead, it is used to see whether your immunity system, your body’s defense against illness has responded to the virus-like COVID-19. 


How Does It Work?


You will have to give some blood, through a finger prick. Doctors test for two different kinds of antibodies to SARS-COV-2. They look for:

  • IgM antibodies, which occur early in an infection, and 
  • IgG antibodies which are more likely to occur later after you have recovered

  • It takes your body at least 4 weeks to develop IgM antibodies. But researches are not sure of how long it will take for this to happen with SARS-CoV-2. More tests are required to find out. And for doing other tests, you should have health insurance in place as this may protect you financially. Remember that current antibody tests cannot tell you are immune to COVID-19. That is because doctors don’t know how long these antibodies protect you from the coronavirus. And these tests should not be used to diagnose the virus. The majority of people have IgG antibodies for about 7 to 10 days after COVID-19 symptoms begin. They generally stay in your blood long after the infection goes away, but you do not know how long that is for the new COVID-19.

    What’s the Difference Between an Antibody Test and a Coronavirus Test?


    A coronavirus test, sometimes known as a diagnostic test, looks for signs of active virus. It is easier and faster compared to the antibody test. But it shows only if you have the virus in your body at the moment when you are tested. 

    An antibody test demonstrates that you had the virus at some point in the past. It could be gone, or you could still be infected. 

    Why Do We Need Antibody Testing?


    You may have SARS-Cov-2 and not know it. Not everyone who gets COVID-19 shows symptoms. Professionals think that antibody tests can deliver health officials a clear idea of how common the virus is. 

    Once researches know who has had the virus, they can find out how sick it can make most people. Furthermore, if your body is showing some kind of symptoms related to COVID-19 then do a test and buy health insurance online ​for more protection. 

    With this, you might have understood about the coronavirus antibody test and its functionality. So now, you know which test you have to do if you think you or people around you are showing symptoms related to COVID-19. 

    Select the best health insurance plan for your treatment and hospitalization expenses. Choose a policy which will help you safeguard your savings. Purchasing online is hassle free and convenient now!