Antibody test

There should be a chance for people to do a antibodies test. If we will know that we have antibodies we don't need to be so scared anymore. For example in Vienna if someone coming by air to Austria have a choice: go for quarantine or do a test for Cov19. But I think that everyone who would like to know if has antibodies should have a opportunity to do a test. Not only if I am infected now or not. Laboratories in many countries in Europe already give people a chance to come and do a test. You just go to laboratory and they check your blood. Easy way. I hope Scotland will offer this very soon too.

Why the contribution is important

Many people will know if they were infected or not. Don't need to be scared anymore and more things can back to "normal"

by Natalie on May 11, 2020 at 12:57PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 5 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Minty May 11, 2020 at 13:42

    I totally agree - and the antibody test is what I came in here to ask about! I know there have been issues about the reliability of the existing antibody test, but since many countries are already conducting these tests, surely they can be improved. Moreover, surely Scotland's research and development capabilities could contribute to developing a better antibody test regime... With that in place, people who have had some symptoms can check whether they have been infected already. Then they can be more confident about going back to work, or volunteering to help others. We need to get to that point asap. I might also add, I am glad for FM Sturgeon's leadership.

  • Posted by Stargazer1960 May 11, 2020 at 13:45

    Antibody testing is important - we need to know not just about short term immunity, but also long term if a vaccine is to work. Will this be a disease that we can have a series of vaccines and achieve life long immunity, or annual immunity or is it even shorter than that. This is essential to know before a long term decision can be made as to whether or not herd immunity is ever achievable. A robust test, with a significant cohort of subjects, tested repeatedly over 1-2 years.

  • Posted by Dr_Rosemary_Orr May 11, 2020 at 16:25

    Antibody tests only tell you if you have been infected at some point. They tell you nothing about whether you are still infectious (ie have the virus). I agree that we need better testing and it is a solution I hope happens, but antibody tests are quite unreliable.
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