The significant other and I are debating getting the vaccine. As a part of making an informed decision, how would we go about getting an accurate, or most accurate, test done for antibodies ? Neither of us have tested positive for Covid, or have shown any signs of having it, but we both have been exposed to those who have. In other words, I'm guessing that I've already had covid, but would like to know for sure. Knowing that would be a relevant factor in our decision, so an accurate test is paramount. How do we go about that?

IBombedTheMoon said:

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The significant other and I are debating getting the vaccine. As a part of making an informed decision, how would we go about getting an accurate, or most accurate, test done for antibodies ? Neither of us have tested positive for Covid, or have shown any signs of having it, but we both have been exposed to those who have. In other words, I'm guessing that I've already had covid, but would like to know for sure. Knowing that would be a relevant factor in our decision, so an accurate test is paramount. How do we go about that?

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Are you wanting to know just a positive/negative ir an actual titer (antibody concentration level) result?

My understanding is that there is not a FDA approved antibody test. I've had two done, one was a finger ***** and took like 15 minutes to get results. The other was through Quest diagnostics and was an actual blood draw.

SoulSlaveAG2005 said:

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IBombedTheMoon said:

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The significant other and I are debating getting the vaccine. As a part of making an informed decision, how would we go about getting an accurate, or most accurate, test done for antibodies ? Neither of us have tested positive for Covid, or have shown any signs of having it, but we both have been exposed to those who have. In other words, I'm guessing that I've already had covid, but would like to know for sure. Knowing that would be a relevant factor in our decision, so an accurate test is paramount. How do we go about that?

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Are you wanting to know just a positive/negative ir an actual titer (antibody concentration level) result?

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More information the better.

Since you are not vaxed yet any titer should be negative so just ask your doc for a COVID titer test. Basic blood draw.

When I gave blood they also did an antibody test. For me it was strange….tested positive in late March (as did my wife) and I only had mild respiratory symptoms (no fever), while she had fever for 2 days. In June we both gave blood, her's came back as having antibodies and mine said no antibodies. So either one of my tests were wrong, or my body barely produced a reaction. Based on that, I felt a little better about getting the J&J vaccine (needed for international travel in August)

Most likely is your body did not feel the need to mount a major response as you blocked if off in the nose/throat.

KidDoc said:

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Most likely is your body did not feel the need to mount a major response as you blocked if off in the nose/throat.

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So does this type of response provide future immunity benefits?

CS78 said:

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KidDoc said:

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Most likely is your body did not feel the need to mount a major response as you blocked if off in the nose/throat.

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So does this type of response provide future immunity benefits?

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A bit but not as robust as a titer positive immunity. You likely still have some T cell immunity floating about but it may take them a while to kick into gear once exposed- hard to predict outcomes in that kind of scenario. Not as good as titer + but better than totally unexposed.

I had an antibody test done at Quest Diagnostics. Our insurance pays for it. You can sign up for it online on the Quest website. No need for a doctor referral. Had the results back in less than 48 hours. It was a blood draw.

You. can order one directly from labcorp.com.

It cost me $10…. they bill your insurance for the rest and if they don't pay they bill the gub'ment.

Thanks. Between my second and third Texas Cares antibody test, I was very heavily exposed but never developed any illness. Wondering if I might have gained any immunity. Still waiting on the third test.