Antibody testing for all

Make sure any citizen can have Coronavirus antibody testing. Tie it to the NHS CHI number so that we can identify those who are immune to COVID. This will let these people circulate, work, socialise and meet family, safe in the knowledge that they cannot contract or pass on COVID (same principles already apply for work and Hep B immunity). This is why the antibody testing is more important than the viral test

Why the contribution is important

Those who are immune can work and function without fear.

by Jpleach246 on May 06, 2020 at 09:29PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 62 votes

Comments

  • Posted by GillHain May 06, 2020 at 21:45

    Will cost but is a workable way forward - make testing a national requirement - preferably UK wide
    A S A P

  • Posted by BUTEMACS May 06, 2020 at 21:51

    Would be good idea if there was a test that was 100% reliable but think that's a long way off yet.

  • Posted by Lori May 06, 2020 at 22:01

    I agree in principle it works in other areas of communicable diseases why not. Get testing, the facilities are there, health centres have designated areas prepped ready to go, let's go for it, letter each street or area mandatory testing, bit like voting got to present with letter use the chi no to test and record you don't come police come, this is a national emergency! Testing is paramount if we want to hit this on the head.

  • Posted by MrsSP May 06, 2020 at 22:03

    Great idea!

  • Posted by TStrachan May 06, 2020 at 22:13

    I agree.

  • Posted by granny May 06, 2020 at 22:34

    I think testing the population is a good idea and getting a very high average of citizens to take part ! . But any suggesting of forcing people to comply is not acceptable in a Democratic country . But quite sure nearly all of the Scottish population would want to be tested for their own ,family and communities wellbeing .

  • Posted by Alimac35 May 06, 2020 at 22:53

    Agreed.

  • Posted by fernae10 May 06, 2020 at 23:07

    Absolutely! It will put peoples mind at ease (I understand it’s not yet understood if it makes you less likely to catch it again), But I’m thinking it’s highly unlikely. It will also allow people to get back to work .

  • Posted by eamaiton May 07, 2020 at 00:32

    Agree

  • Posted by LauraCowan May 07, 2020 at 00:52

    Absolutely agree this is needed moving forwards as soon as a reliable test is available get it out there.

  • Posted by Djalaodbdld May 07, 2020 at 06:08

    Antibody testing is definitely the way forward.

  • Posted by christine72 May 07, 2020 at 07:02

    Agreed - the antibody test ideally available to do at home - seems like one of our ways out of this. My only concern is the question around length of immunity that hasn’t been addressed yet. So just because you’re immune now, how long does that last/could you be reinfected? I’m hoping this proves incorrect ie lasting immunity or at least becomes an annual vaccine like the flu jab.

  • Posted by Fairygodmother May 07, 2020 at 07:34

    I agree

  • Posted by Henderson May 07, 2020 at 10:28

    Would be happy to pay for this test once it is available, however should be free to those that cannot and prioritised for those who need it most. I know of many people who think they may have had it already (including myself). This would also help to allay the fears of so many of the population nationally that feel the only way out is a vaccine.

  • Posted by Julie May 07, 2020 at 17:29

    This could potentially encourage those who have not had the disease (and have limited risk of complications) to get it on purpose.

    There is no guarantee that the virus won’t mutate, in fact it probably will based on past pandemics.

    WHO have said this kind of passporting is a bad idea.

    It would also leave parts of the population behind if only those with a test showing (apparent) immunity could “work and function without fear”. What happens to those who have not had it yet and are high risk - do they just get left at home forever?

  • Posted by WBRnotes May 07, 2020 at 21:47

    Might be a good idea as long as we have a reliable antibody test and an idea of how long immunity lasts (re-testing?). It would allow those who have immunity to visit those who don't/work in the houses of those who are still vulnerable to the virus. Moreover, once a vaccine is available those who don't have antibodies could be identified readily and offered vaccination.

  • Posted by owenc00 May 08, 2020 at 07:41

    It seems a sensible step in getting children back into school - test everyone who requests it, and, if we want older children back into school, prioritise testing of teachers.

  • Posted by Elkie May 09, 2020 at 16:20

    Essential! Having people actively trying to get the infection, needn't be a bad thing. As long as it was done in a controlled manner. Give them a thorough health check, advise on individual risk and let them decide. It could even be staggered to not overwhelm the NHS. In the long run, people will do it anyway, just not in a safe and controlled manner. And I think, the decision to actively get infected or not, is indeed an important personal right, worth protecting.
    I do agree, those at risk of severe illness, need support to keep shielding until a vaccine, or at least treatment is available. And this support needs to come from all of us, not just the authorities.
    By now, there are reliable tests. The WHO also lobbied against travel restrictions at the beginning, and then against the use of face masks. Drug companies competing to find a vaccine, might not be too happy, if too many people showed too many positive antibody test results.
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