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Hi Tweeps. Being asked about antibody tests for COVID since they are now available. Blurb:
1/ all this test can tell us is that we have been exposed to the virus. To add there are 200 different assays available.A negative test doesn’t mean much, Can become negative over time.
1/ all this test can tell us is that we have been exposed to the virus. To add there are 200 different assays available.A negative test doesn’t mean much, Can become negative over time.
2/most importantly, does NOT tell you that you are immune i.e you won’t get infected again. This is crucial as we can’t use a negative result and potentially use it as an “immunity passport” to have a get together ( I know you won’t, just sayin’)
3/ This test can be helpful in certain situations where diagnosis is not made by PCR test. Like the rare COVID associated syndrome in children.
4/ Lots of chatter about “ I Am immune”. Please let’s understand that this positive test, doesn’t mean can’t be reinfected or pass it on to others. Multiple reports of reinfection, rare but possible. This is just too new. Time will tell.
5/ Ultimately, i would say again, A test is not a risk mitigation strategy. The bundled approach ( #distancemaskhandhygiene) is. So in the coming days let’s all be careful,celebrate in an innovative way and not use a test to take risk.
6/ Help is on the way! In a few months we will have a vaccine available. We will have some semblance of normalcy. Until then let’s keep our guard up and keep up the good work we have all been doing.
