Antibody Testing
Antibody testing is a medical procedure used to check for antibodies in the blood, which are proteins the immune system produces in response to infections or vaccinations. It helps determine if someone has been exposed to a specific virus, such as COVID-19, by showing whether the body has developed an immune response. While positive results indicate past exposure, they do not confirm current infection. These tests can provide insights into immunity levels, potential changes in public health measures, and help in understanding the spread of diseases. However, they are just one part of assessing health status.
Additional Insights
-
Antibody testing is a laboratory process that checks your blood for antibodies, which are proteins your immune system produces in response to infections, including viruses like COVID-19. These tests can indicate if you have been exposed to a pathogen in the past, even if you didn't show symptoms. Positive results suggest previous infection and potential immunity, while negative results indicate no initial exposure. However, antibody tests vary in accuracy and are not suitable for diagnosing current infections. They are often used for research, public health studies, or to understand community spread of diseases.