Antibody testing

There are lots of people, like myself, who are pretty sure they have had the virus (early on in my case) but cannot be 100% because we didn’t go to hospital and get tested. I would like these people to be offered antibody testing (possibly the more accurate lab tested ones) along with those in their household. We really need to see how far it has infected the population and who has immunity, even if only for a while, so that they can work or volunteer. It would help with the anxiety of not knowing if you’ve had it or not. I’m not sure the random antibody testing planned will alleviate the population’s anxiety or offer useful information on who can work or volunteer without risk.

Why the contribution is important

Antibody testing of households who think they’ve had it would enable at least some of the population to work or volunteer without risk whilst keeping others safe.

by Lingirdy on May 07, 2020 at 09:23PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.9
Based on: 46 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Fiona May 07, 2020 at 21:28

    Totally agree!

  • Posted by Quietlife64 May 07, 2020 at 21:32

    Testing of both types antibody and infection is the only way to gain the true numbers of infection and immunity within the population.

  • Posted by Alotman May 07, 2020 at 22:22

    This is essential and the quicker implemented the better. I think gp surgeries should carry this out. Have never understood why primary care has been excluded from testing for this virus. They already have an established network

  • Posted by AlisonM May 07, 2020 at 22:24

    This is available in France. It would be good to see it here in Scotland too, as part of the way forward.

  • Posted by MarionY May 08, 2020 at 00:25

    Proven accurate antibody testing unless it can be shown that a person is totally immune forever, or at least for a defined length of time, is of little value. I would still not let anyone into our home unless I was 100% sure they werent bringing this disease with them.

  • Posted by Jamie5024 May 08, 2020 at 07:22

    I agree. The antibody test should be ramped up and rolled out asap. This also needs to ba backed up my some type of verification. E.g. every individual could be send a barcode that when scanned confirms from a government database whether they have passed the antibody test. Each person must carry id to prove their identity and link that to their barcode. Flouting this must have repercussions. Furthermore, encourage companies to support home working longer term when CV19 is brought under control.

  • Posted by owenc00 May 08, 2020 at 07:36

    I feel that anyone who wants a test, whether to find out if they have the virus now, or have had the virus, should be entitled to one - provided capacity exists. Many teachers would wish to know, before they go back into school.

  • Posted by JMcA May 08, 2020 at 07:44

    Everybody should have both tests carried out especially the antibody tests as alot of people are unsure if symptoms that they had were in fact this virus. Even though scientists are unsure on how much you will be protected if your body has made antibodies for this virus , it will give an accurate number of people infected and people might be a little bit more reassured that they have had the virus once and fought it and if the catch it again should be able to fight it again.

  • Posted by Poog May 08, 2020 at 08:14

    I fully agree. I think that I and many of my family had the virus early on and may now have immunity

  • Posted by Janhoppo May 08, 2020 at 08:24

    Both my husband and I think we might have had the virus early on, but because no testing is offered the only way to know is via reliable antibody testing. It does not mean we will act irresponsibly if we do prove to have had it, but it does mean we can possibly do more to help our local community.

  • Posted by artistineastneuk May 08, 2020 at 08:30

    A reliable antibody test needs to be top priority.

  • Posted by AMK May 08, 2020 at 08:38

    From what i've read, I don't think there is any certainty that having the virus prevents you getting it again. I think there needs to be more research on this before people start relaxing the restrictions.

  • Posted by kirst10 May 08, 2020 at 13:06

    This is essential! A lot more of the population have contracted than we think for sure. Those that have had it are immune - it isn't the case that people 'catch' the virus again, recent studies from other countries show that it is more of a 'resurgence' that people have, similar to glandular, rather than actually catching the virus all over again.

  • Posted by ReFi May 08, 2020 at 14:06

    Would provide a realistic figure for numbers of of the population exposed if a reliable test was available. Should be a priority as will help guide the wau forward for Government with other data. Could be done in a similar way to other national screening programmes eg bowel screening or via GP practices or a combination of both? We are fairly sure that we had a mild form of COVID before it was officially recognised in the UK and would be helpful to know on a personal level. Would make us less apprehensive about going back into the workplace although we are aware that there are is debate about how long immunity lasts

  • Posted by CMcIlroy May 08, 2020 at 15:51

    Roadmap of priorities for testing with an estimated timeline alongside a waiting list per councilor area to feed into localising hot spots (anonymously). Test by post, arrangements for employment/volunteering/UC while pending.

  • Posted by Marie262 May 08, 2020 at 17:09

    I feel that everyone in Scotland and the rest of the uk should be entitled to an antibody test it is so important and the sooner the better.

  • Posted by Elkie May 08, 2020 at 20:54

    If we are expected to keep complying with restrictive rules, we all have a right to get an answer to the question "did I have it or not", regardless of any immunity. Reluctance of the WHO regarding antibody testing is interesting. I am no expert, but if antibodies really do not give you at least some limited immunity, how could a vaccine work?
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