25 pound antibody test

[SuperMumTum]

I've seen an advert for a pharmacy near me offering a £25 fingerprick antibody test. Obviously it's not 100% accurate but they don't say much more than that. I had mild symptoms in late march/early April, just after the start of lockdown, and at the time was convinced I had it. Obviously they weren't testing widely then. I'm a frontline key worker (not nhs) so have been hoping to be offered an antibody test for a while.

I'd love to go and see my grandmother (healthy but 91 years old) and my brother (currently having chemo) and to be some emotional and practical support for them (more than just sitting in their garden, I could baby sit for my bro for example or cook my Grandma a meal).

If I got a positive result for antibodies how safe would it be for me to do these things? I know it would be a breach of lockdown but I'm not asking that, I'm asking would you take the risk of offering non-essential company and support to a vulnerable member of your family if you got a positive antibody result? I would of course continue to take other precautions such as handwashing and keeping my distance where possible (no hugs).

Would you believe it if it said Negative? Or at least believe you didnt't have c19?

You're not supposed to assume you have any extra protection even if you had tested positive for sure.

How accurate are these I wonder? I know Superdrug took one off the market. I would like to do one too but not if it was not accurate as could falsely reassure (or the opposite)

Could you link to the type of test perhaps?

I have had the antibody test and they are very clear that they are not 100% accurate. Also, just because you may have antibodies, they are not sure yet if this gives you future protection against catching it again or becoming a carrier.

They are still trying to get a picture of who has had, with what symptoms and how this fits in with the general population and how we move forward.

www.ft.com/content/dc4b97a9-d869-40bc-950a-60f9f383bed0

This might be helpful. As I understand it the Abbot and Roche ones are most accurate

Even if it is positive you could still catch it again, or have it again. What's the advantage?

Also www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m2284

I've had the antibody test as part of an NHS study and they were very clear that they're not yet accurate enough to rely on. The guidance very clearly said not to change your behaviour, whatever the result of the test.

For me, I would just like to know if it was what we had in March. It wouldn't change behaviour just be interested to know. I take it the NHS use the Roche test?

I would believe it if it came back negative and I don't know what the advantages are of being positive, even if it was 100% accurate, because of the possibility of getting it again, carrying it. I guess I'm curious and £25 isn't a huge amount to pay to (possibly) satisfy the curiosity. I'll try and link to the advert.

I thought they withdrew all fingerprick tests.
Yeah you might still be able to carry it. That is what the found with animal trials of the vax. But they thought that was due to testing with such a high load. I think so far it looks better for the vax in humans or that maybe 2 doses or something.

It is real Annoying not knowing.
We were ill mid apr. But all of us had a very nasty dry cough so probably unlikely as only dc1 might have had a fever. Though i think i had chills.
Hopefully we have immunity as i dont want that back again.
Also some people would feel better about back to school etc if theyve already had it even if you are not guaranteed immunity.

You won’t necessarily find out if you’ve had it. Not everyone produces antibodies and even if you do they can fade fast so even if you had it in March you could still test negative now.

I wouldn't reply on any test if I was planning on visiting extremely vulnerable relatives, I would visit them outside and stand 2 meters from them.