Have you ever wondered if that flu you had was COVID-19?
Have you had COVID-19 & want to know if you are immune from catching the virus again?
Epicentre is offering the chance to know for certain.
Book a COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory test now!
Our COVID-19 Antibody Lab Test Explained
What is a ‘COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory Test’?
Epicentre is introducing a revolutionary way to check your past COVID-19 infections. This test is more accurate and provides more information than its rapid counterpart.
This test will provide information in your lab report on the strength of your antibodies which will aid you in understanding if you have an immunity to COVID-19 in the future.
Epicentre has been using COVID Antibody Lab Tests in communities across South Africa as part of our National COVID Antibody Study. We are so impressed with this way of testing that we are sharing it with our private testers.
Like the name suggests, this test (like the COVID rapid test) also tests 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 when you are fighting off the viral infection. If you test positive for this antibody it means that you are having a COVID-19 infection currently and that 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 in the past. 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 COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory Test procedure?
To do an antibody test for COVID-19 with Epicentre, you will need to either book a test online or come to our branch for an antibody test.
This test’s full name is the “serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,” or ELISA for short. This test has experts in a laboratory to check whether you have COVID-19 antibodies in your blood (ref).
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.
Who should get a COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory 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 7 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 & want to check your 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 of testing has not yet been approved for these purposes
You have been exposed to COVID-19 and started symptoms more than 7 days ago
When should you get a COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory test?
If you are getting your test done to confirm an infection you should test for COVID-19 7days 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 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 COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory test help you?
How can a COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory test help you?
A COVID-19 Antibody Lab 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 immunity to the Coronavirus
What COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory test does Epicentre use?
What COVID-19 Antibody Laboratory test does Epicentre use?
This test’s full name is the “serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,” or ELISA for short. This test has experts in a laboratory to check whether you have COVID-19 antibodies in your blood (ref).
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!
