How Do Covid-19 Antibody Tests Differ From Diagnostic Tests?

By now we are all used to the idea of having to have COVID-19 tests. Surely, with the current level of information and exposure you know what an LFT test is, a PCR test is, and on what occasions you might need to take those tests. But do you know what an antibody test is and what it is for?  It’s to determine if you’ve already had Covid.  Let’s get into the differences of these tests and when you might need each one.  Pearl Chemist Group offers all types of COVID-19 tests you might need in the UK.

There are three types of COVID-19 tests. PCR test, Antigen Test and Antibody tests.

PCR Testing:
PCR tests are a diagnostic test for confirming a current COVID-19 infection. It is a  polymerase chain reaction test and measures for the DNA Proteins of the virus seeking to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. A cotton swab is inserted into the nasopharyngeal cavity and a tissue sample is collected then sent to a lab where it is put through a process to sterilise and analyse the sample until it is decided whether or not the virus is present. If there is a positive result, then the person who submitted the sample had an active infection at the time the sample was submitted. PCR testing is considered the “gold standard” for COVID-19 diagnostic purposes.

Antigen Testing:
An antigen test is considered a suitable first line of defence against COVID-19 and particularly if a person has symptoms. It detects coronavirus proteins in the mouth and the throat. It is considered less accurate than PCR testing because it requires a high viral load for the antigen test to detect an active COVID-19 infection. This test is typically very reliable for those who have positive results, but can give false negatives due to the required high viral load.

Antibody Testing:
An antibody test is a blood test that will check to see if you have antibodies to the COVID-19 virus. Antibodies are the body's immune response to an infection. You will have antibodies if you have either had the coronavirus or if your body has made antibodies to the virus after having the COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster shots. This will not tell you if you are immune to coronavirus or whether or not you are able to spread the virus to others.

If you would like to seek any COVID-19 testing, including a PCR swab test for your fit to fly certificate for travel, diagnosing COVID or antibody testing, visit Pearl Chemist Group online to find a location nearest you in the UK.  www.pearlchemistgroup.co.uk