Test tubes – angellodeco / shutterstock

Antibody tests (antibodies) or immunity are being talked about a lot at the moment, including within companies which, for some, have started to subject their employees to these examinations. These are used to detect the presence in the blood system of specific antibodies resulting from exposure to Covid-19. They therefore allow, in theory, to know if you have been infected and if you have developed immunity against the virus.

“In theory” only, because as explained by Diana Berrent, founder of the association Survivor Corps which brings together healers from Covid-19, “There is still a lot that we do not know about immunity“, Including its duration and the level of protection it offers. “Immunity tests give very little information ”, she sums up. In addition, no test has passed through the classic validation process of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the federal agency responsible for controlling medical equipment in particular. The latter authorized several of them via an emergency procedure, but many of them proved to be unreliable. (For the official list of laboratories authorized to manufacture these tests, consult the FDA website by entering the word “serology” in the search bar “).

This did not prevent New York State from deploying these tests throughout its territory, including New York City. By generalizing them, the authorities hope to have a more precise idea of ​​the number of people who have been exposed to Covid-19. Preliminary statistics released in late April indicate that about 20% of New York City residents have antibodies.

Several laboratories and health centers offer these tests at variable costs. Among them are Quest Diagnostics, which has developed an immunoglobulin test for 119 dollars (reimbursable by insurance). After completing an online form, patients will be asked to go to one of the Quest centers for their blood test. No doctor’s note is required. Its competitor LabCorp has developed a similar system, but the patient must be referred by a doctor.

Chains ofurgent care CityMD, MedRite, GoHealth and PM Pediatrics (specializing in children and present in Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester and Long Island) also offer serological tests. The price of the service can vary from one establishment to another and depending on whether you have insurance or not.

In addition to these options, New York City announced Thursday, May 7, the launch of a free screening program in five neighborhoods (Morrisania, East New York, Upper Manhattan, Concord and Long Island City). Just make an appointment online after answering some eligibility questions. Objective of the municipality: to practice 70,000 tests in two weeks.

Test providers say you should not do it if you still have symptoms. It can take between 14 and 21 days for the antibodies to be detectable. Another precaution to take: a positive result does not mean that you are no longer contagious or that you are safe from a second contamination. “I advise to wait until you have more reliable tests ”, advises Diana Berrent. Cured of Covid-19 and endowed with antibodies, she continues to take her precautions (barrier gestures, wearing a mask, etc.) at home and in public. “I am afraid that a positive result will be seen as an authorization to relax my vigilance and personal responsibility. Relying only on these tests can be dangerous.

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