Covid 19 Antibodies - Total

Bacterial/ Viral

Report in 4Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

This test detects total antibodies developed in response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

₹449₹950

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COVID-19 Antibodies - Total

Why is it done?
- Detects the presence of total antibodies (IgG and IgM combined) against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
- Determines past or current infection with COVID-19, including asymptomatic infections
- Assesses immunity or response to COVID-19 vaccination
- Used when acute viral testing (PCR/antigen) is negative but COVID-19 infection is still suspected
- Performed during post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (long COVID) evaluation
- Typically ordered 1-3 weeks after symptom onset or exposure for detection of immune response
Normal Range
- Reference Values (varies by laboratory and assay method):
- Negative: < 1.0 Index or < 0.8 units (varies by test manufacturer); indicates no detectable COVID-19 antibodies
- Positive: ≥ 1.0 Index or ≥ 0.8 units; indicates presence of COVID-19 antibodies suggesting past or current infection or vaccination response
- Borderline/Equivocal: Results near the cutoff threshold; repeat testing may be recommended
- Units: Index values, Signal-to-Cutoff ratios, or semiquantitative measurements (depending on test platform)
- Interpretation: Negative results indicate either no prior infection or testing performed too early in infection (window period). Positive results suggest immune response to SARS-CoV-2 exposure.
Interpretation
- Negative Total Antibody Result: Suggests no prior COVID-19 infection or very early infection (within first 1-2 weeks); may also indicate negative response to vaccination in some cases; repeat testing may be warranted if clinical suspicion remains high
- Positive Total Antibody Result: Indicates past or current COVID-19 infection, or response to COVID-19 vaccination; cannot differentiate between acute, recent, or remote infection without IgM/IgG differentiation; positive results persist for extended periods (months to years)
- High Antibody Titers: May suggest recent infection, severe disease, or robust vaccine response; elevated levels do not necessarily indicate current active infection
- Low Antibody Titers: May indicate remote infection, waning immunity, or early infection phase; common in immunocompromised patients
- Factors Affecting Results: Timing of test (earlier is less reliable), immune status of patient, variant strain exposure, vaccine type received, individual immune response variability, use of immunosuppressive medications, and chronic conditions affecting immunity
- Clinical Significance: Total antibody positivity may persist for years post-infection but does not prove current immunity. A positive result cannot distinguish between natural infection and vaccination without additional testing (IgG/IgM separation).
- Cross-reactivity Considerations: Some antibody tests may cross-react with other coronaviruses; results should be interpreted in clinical context
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: Immune system (lymphocytes, B cells, plasma cells producing antibodies); respiratory system (initial site of SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication)
- Respiratory System: COVID-19 predominantly affects lungs and upper respiratory tract; may cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Cardiovascular System: SARS-CoV-2 can cause myocarditis, thromboembolism, and coronary complications; positive antibodies may indicate past cardiac involvement
- Gastrointestinal System: SARS-CoV-2 receptors present in GI tract; may cause diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal inflammation
- Neurological System: Potential neurological complications including anosmia, ageusia, encephalitis, stroke, and long-term cognitive dysfunction
- Renal System: Acute kidney injury possible; SARS-CoV-2 can affect glomerular filtration
- Associated Medical Conditions: COVID-19 infection, long COVID (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2), multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), vaccine response assessment
- Potential Complications: Severe COVID-19 pneumonia, ARDS, sepsis, thrombotic events, cytokine storm, organ dysfunction, death in severely ill patients
Follow-up Tests
- IgM and IgG Antibody Differentiation: Helps distinguish acute (IgM positive) from past infection (IgG positive) or vaccination response
- SARS-CoV-2 PCR or Antigen Test: Performed if acute infection suspected; detects active viral presence
- Neutralizing Antibody Testing: Measures functional antibodies that block viral infection; useful for vaccine efficacy assessment
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): May show lymphopenia or other abnormalities in severe COVID-19
- Inflammatory Markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, D-dimer to assess severity and complications
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Assess liver function, kidney function, electrolytes in moderate to severe cases
- Chest Imaging (X-ray or CT): If pneumonia or respiratory complications suspected
- Troponin and BNP: If cardiac involvement suspected; assess for myocarditis
- Repeat Antibody Testing: If initial result equivocal or initial negative with high clinical suspicion; repeat 2-3 weeks later for confirming seroconversion
- Monitoring Frequency: Single antibody testing is typically sufficient; serial testing not routinely recommended unless investigating vaccine response efficacy
Fasting Required?
- No - Fasting is NOT required for COVID-19 antibody testing
- Food and Beverage: Can eat and drink normally before the test; no dietary restrictions needed
- Medications: Continue taking all regular medications unless otherwise instructed by healthcare provider
- Special Patient Preparation: None required; test can be performed at any time of day
- Blood Draw: Standard venipuncture procedure; typically requires 5-10 mL of blood in appropriate collection tube
- Timing Considerations: Results are more reliable when tested at least 7-14 days after symptom onset or exposure to allow adequate antibody development

How our test process works!