Already had mild symptoms? You may benefit from an antibody test.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

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Have you already had mild symptoms in the last few weeks that had you wondering if you may have already had the dreaded virus?

Now there’s a way to find out.

Arcpoint Labs are running tests to find out if you’ve got the antibody, which most likely would indicate you’ve already had the virus. This is being done to evaluate whether or not you might have immunity, however, knowledge about the novel virus is still evolving. The recommendations made are not backed up by recent statistical data. Instead, researchers used data that was collected on H1N1 and other SARS-CoV infections.

Knowing about your immunity is important for essential workers who deal with the public every day and put themselves at risk. Employees who work with fragile populations, such as in nursing homes, or in other healthcare fields can get more peace of mind if an antibody is detected since it may mean they can’t carry the virus to the population they serve.

PLEASE NOTE:

There is a fee of $69.00 to have the test.

All antibody tests should be performed ONLY on people who are asymptomatic. This includes those who never had symptoms at all as well as those who had symptoms in the past. You must be symptom-free for seven days for the test to be valid. If the test is completed before the full seven days of being symptom-free, the clinical reliability may be compromised.

Getting negative results does not rule out an infection, particularly in those who have had a recent exposure.

Again, further research is needed to determine immunity. It’s unknown how likely you are to get it again if antibodies are detected, especially with info coming out about how the virus is mutating and forming different strains.

In order to get the test, you can sign up online HERE or you can call and get an appointment. As of last week, a call on Tuesday morning yielded an appointment time for Thursday morning. In Birmingham, Arcpoint is located at 5510 Highway 280 South, Suite 215.

For an appointment call: 205-968-1090

Here’s what to expect:

Arcpoint Lab is on the second floor. You must climb the exterior stairway from the parking lot.
Sign in with your driver’s license and pay the fee of $69.00.
Wait in the lobby until your name is called.
You’ll be taken to an examining room where you’ll fill out paperwork that asks what symptoms (if any) you’ve experienced, whether or not you’ve had a known exposure, and if you’ve been symptom-free for 7 days.
Provide a valid email address for results to be returned to you by the end of the business day.
Your finger will be pricked and a small about of blood will be taken by the lab technician.
Sign your name electronically on a tablet that the test was completed and you’ve received information on how to read the results.

When you receive your email with the results, there are four possibilities. (A paper copy of this information is given to you at the completion of the test.) Here’s what each means:

Negative IgG, Negative IgM (this means two possibilities):

You have never encountered COVID-19 and you are healthy but you are susceptible. No immunity. Continue social distancing.
(less likely but possible) You are recently infected with COVID-19 and may be a carrier, even though you have no symptoms. Continue social distancing.

Negative IgG, Positive IgM:

You’re in the early stages of an antibody response. You’re a possible virus carrier. Continue social distancing for at least 5 to 7 additional days after any symptoms you develop have stopped.

Positive IgG, Positive IgM

This indicated a recent infection. It suggests you may be immune. You may be safe to return to work if you are asymptomatic for at least 7 days. Continue to social distancing guidelines.