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Have you ever wondered if that flu you had was COVID-19?
Have you had COVID-19 & want to know if you are possibly immune from catching the virus again?
Have you been experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 & want to know your infection status?
Epicentre is offering the chance to know for certain. Book a Rapid COVID-19 Antibody test now!
What is a ‘Rapid COVID-19 Antibody test’?
Antibody tests like the name suggests, test for antibodies not viruses; so our COVID-19 Antibody tests don’t look for the presence of the coronavirus. Instead, they find the proteins, or antibodies, that our bodies’ immune systems makes in response to COVID-19.
Our COVID-19 Antibody tests look for two kinds of antibodies that our immune system produces in response to the coronavirus:
1. IgM antibodies
These are short-lived antibodies that our body makes when we are fighting off the COVID-19 infection. These antibodies normally appear from 7 day into fighting off the virus. If you test positive for this antibody it means that you are a new COVID-19 infection and you are contagious for the virus.
These antibodies only stay in your body for a short time and usually disappear a few weeks after your infection. That is why we can use this antibody to pick up if you may be infected with COVID-19. But that is also why it is recommended that should we pick up the IgM antibody you should also use a PCR COVID (infection) test to confirm your infection.
2. IgG antibodies
The presence of IgG antibodies on your test can tell you if your immune system has ever had to fight off COVID-19. These antibodies usually appear in your blood 2 weeks after you recover from the virus.
IgG antibodies stay in your body a long time (sometimes for a lifetime) and help give you immunity against catching the virus again. If you test positive for these antibodies, not only will you know for certain that you had the virus but you will also know that you have some protection against catching the virus again.
What is the Rapid COVID Antibody test procedure?
To do an antibody test for COVID-19 with Epicentre, you will need to book a test online. You will then drive to our branch.
We will have a nurse clean your finger with an alcohol swab. We will then use a new lancet to make a small prick in your finger. A pipit will be used to draw a small sample of your blood. This sample will then be placed into the circular sample deposit site of the Orient Gene COVID19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette.
Our nurses are very gentle and whilst the test will be over quickly we will do our best to make you feel calm and safe during the entire process.
You will then wait 10 minutes while your test ‘loads’ your results. After which we will share your result with you.
Who should get a Rapid COVID-19 Antibody test?
Having an antibody test is helpful if:
You had symptoms of COVID-19 in the past but weren’t tested
Your doctor thinks you may have the novel coronavirus and started symptoms more than 3 days ago
You have been in close contact with an individual suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19 and you want to have a quick test done to check your status; or
You have recovered from COVID-19 2 want to check your possible immunity
You are looking to get a test done for an official purpose such as leaving the country, having a medical procedure or flight – as this method testing has not yet been approved for these purposes
You have been exposed to COVID-19 and started symptoms less than 3 days ago
When should you get a Rapid COVID-19 Antibody test?
If you are getting your test done to confirm an infection you should test for COVID-19 7 days and onwards after you were exposed to the virus; as you can see on the graph the IgM becomes detectable from the 7th day until the 21st day
If you are testing to confirm your possible immunity or to check if you had the virus in the past, you can test at any time after your infection is complete.
How can a Rapid COVID-19 Antibody test help you
A Rapid COVID-19 Antibody test can help you:
Find out if you have ever had COVID-19 in the past
Find out you are currently having a COVID-19 infection
If you need to have a very quick test to determine your COVID-19 status
Found out if you have possible immunity to the Coronavirus
What Rapid COVID-19 Antibody Test Does Epicentre Use?
The Orient Gene COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette.
This is the first COVID-19 antibody test that has been approved for use in South Africa. The specificity of this test is 100% and it has a sensitivity of 95.8% for samples collected 10 days or more after the onset of symptoms or a positive PCR (nasal test) result (McAdam, 2020).
Where can you get a Walk-In Lab test?
You can get a wide range of tests with our testing angels at one of our many branches!
Book with Epicentre
For 20 years Epicentre has been fighting South African’s infectious diseases, and now we’re taking on COVID-19! We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa. We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
By booking your tests with Epicentre, you are supporting a real local company that has worked for 20 years in all 9 provinces, from Pollsmoor prison to Constantia; & you’re getting a gold standard service that experts trust!
