Curbing Corona with Antibody Tests

Scientists and researchers are currently attempting to determine antibody tests for COVID-19. Luckily, the FDA has recently approved the first antibody test for COVID-19. This test indicates whether a person has produced IgM and IgG antibodies for COVID-19. If a person only has IgM antibodies, then it is likely that a person is experiencing an acute infection of a disease. Therefore, it is a good indicator if a person actively has COVID-19. This means they are very contagious and should follow CDC and hospital guidelines for infection control. IgG antibodies are present later on in the course of infection, meaning that a person is at the tail end of the infection. As a result, they are less likely to infect someone. Therefore, testing for both can provide more insight into the stage of infection of a person. 

According to this Nature article, doctors have been using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in order to determine if a person is infected with COVID-19. PCR tests look for viral RNA encoded in the virus’ genome. This test provides accuracy, however is confined to core labs. This lessens accessibility and fails to provide enough data for the sake of public health. In addition, the article discusses how Immunoassay tests have been used for rapid and accurate diagnoses. Immunoassays test for both IgM and IgG antibodies. The test approved by the FDA is a type of immunoassay and can provide results in fifteen to twenty minutes. This is incredibly encouraging, for it shows the initiative the FDA and scientists are taking to combat COVID-19. 

I believe that these antibody tests are the key to helping curb COVID-19. If a person is aware of what type of coronavirus antibodies they have circulating in their body, then that person will be equipped with powerful information on how they ought to operate in this public health crisis. Since COVID-19 has a high asymptomatic transmission rate, this data would help asymptomatic people know whether they have the virus and to stay home if they have contracted it. I think this will help bolster the economy as well because people who have had it can go back to work because they have acquired immunity. Therefore, I feel encouraged by these tests and look forward to how they will shape the outcome of COVID-19.