Due to the covid-19 wave that shocks the whole world, every time you begin experiencing its symptoms, you should seek medical help for testing. Doing so helps determine if you have the virus, after which you are isolated and treated to prevent its spread to the entire population. Still, if you do not have the virus, you are advised to take covid-19 vaccine shots if you are not vaccinated. Usually, antibody testing among other tests helps confirm the covid-19 diagnosis. Therefore, if you suspect you are experiencing covid symptoms and want to undergo covid-19 testing, laboratory services Otsego, MN specialists are here to your rescue. They offer on-site and office testing, allowing you to get your results after twenty minutes. To learn more about antibody testing, read on.
What is antibody testing?
Generally, when you contact a bacteria or virus, your body produces antibodies that form immunity against the disease-causing microorganism the next time it attacks your body. Antibody testing involves testing for specific antibodies produced by the body once you have the covid-19 virus. Therefore, your health care providers offer antibody testing for covid-19, a respiratory condition commonly caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It is a new coronavirus strain that is responsible for causing several illnesses. During antibody testing, oral swabs help test for covid-19 antibodies to help determine if you have coronavirus. An antibody test helps determine if you had the virus, but PCR and antigen swabs help determine if you have active coronavirus.
Are you a good candidate for antibody testing?
Antibody testing is beneficial, especially if you have covid-19 symptoms but were never tested for the disease. However, you are encouraged to consult your care provider if you have any concerns about your health condition. An antibody test can also be performed if you want to donate your plasma and has a previous history of covid-19.
What happens during antibody testing?
During your antibody testing appointment, your care provider begins by collecting an oral swab sample for testing. The sample is processed in the laboratory for approximately twenty minutes, and you receive the results.
What happens after antibody testing?
Like other lab tests, your care provider interprets what the results mean and the way forward after the results are out. And since there is still research on covid-19 and how it is treated, all your care provider advises is to prevent infection by maintaining hand hygiene and wearing surgical marks. Doing so also prevents you from spreading the virus to your loved ones and those close to you. You are also educated on the importance of taking booster covid-19 vaccine shots to help boost your immune system if you come into contact with the virus.
Covid-19 testing is essential because it helps you know your status, especially if you are experiencing covid symptoms. Therefore, if you are experiencing covid-19 symptoms or had previously had covid-19 and seek antibody testing, you can start by consulting GatherWell COVID Testing specialists today.
