COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Antibody Test

Introduction 

Testing for COVID-19 antibodies can tell whether a person has been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that leads to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). 

The Antibody test described by NHS Confederation as a potential ‘game changer’ is a test that will:

‘help us understand how and to whom the virus has spread’

Commenting on the announcement, NHS Confederation chief executive Niall Dickson said: ‘We don’t yet know whether antibodies mean you are immune, and if so for how long. We also need to know whether those with antibodies can still transmit the virus.’

‘But this will make a real difference in understanding how and to whom the virus has spread and will help us to answer these pressing questions.’

Method of testing for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies

Citi Health currently has two methods of testing for the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. 

Both tests available detect whether a person has been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Public Health England (PHE) has evaluated the tests and approved them as being safe and reliable for widespread use.

The Anti-body blood test is advised to be taken 14 days post infection of COVID-19 and 21 days if the person has an underlying medical problem. 

  • The Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody test is a venous blood test, and the specimen is sent to the laboratory. The laboratory we use is the Doctors Laboratory (TDL). The assays used at TDL show a minimum sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 99.1%.

The results are back within 24 hours from the lab and will be emailed via Egress, a secure email, to the employee and HR, with the employee’s consent. The email will contain an explanation of what the results mean and guidelines to follow + the letter headed lab result form.

  • The Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody test is a home test kit which can be posted to the employee. The test is a finger prick test. The employee will receive a test kit with all the instructions + pre-paid envelope to return the test back to the laboratory. The test will be sent to The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) and assays used at TDL show a minimum sensitivity of 97.4% and a specificity of 100%

The results are back within 24 hours from the laboratory and will be emailed via Egress, a secure email to the employee and HR, with the employee’s consent. The email will contain an explanation of what the result means and guidelines to follow + the letter headed lab result form.

Limitations and clinical interpretation

  • The tests can identify people who have had COVID -19 even if they never had any indication, they were infected.

  • A positive test result for antibodies, whichever test is used, does not currently confirm that the person tested is immune to COVID-19.

  • There is also no firm evidence that the presence of antibodies means someone cannot be re-infected with the virus or will not pass it on to someone else.

  • If someone test positive for antibodies, they still need to follow social distancing and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

  • A PHE study called SIREN is already under way to establish whether antibodies indicate immunity to COVID-19.

How often will the test be repeated?

The Department of Health and Social Care will establish a requirement for further testing as the programme rolls out.


How do we determine which staff we should offer this test too?

Employee must be 14 days or more post initial onset of symptoms before they can have the test.
Employees who are immunocompromised at least 21 days or more before testing.
Employee must not have current symptoms of COVID 19

The test is available to everyone and to determine who has the test will be decided by each company. Please refer to the risk assessment guidelines attached.

Will the results remain private?

All results remain confidential, but anonymised data will be reported to the PHE for monitoring purposes.

Booking a test 

Tests can be arranged at our Barbican clinic. Please email contact@citihealth.co.uk or call 020 3633 6301 to book a date and time for your employees.

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT COmplete our booking form on the link above, CALL 020 3633 6301 OR EMAIL US AT contact@citihealth.co.uk

For further information please contact 

Gayle Anderson
Tel 0203 633 6301
Mobile 07900 923510
Email gayle@citihealth.co.uk
Web www.citihealth.co.uk
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