Advice please: antibody tests

Sb2012 · 2020-09-30T06:04:53+00:00

Just a quick question. Where are people getting antibody tests from? (not an NHS or care worker) I would like to order one for DS1 and I, but so far have only been able to find the Superdrug one online. Is that any good? Is that what others get too? Any advice much appreciated [flowers]

SunInTheSkyYouKnowHowIFeel · 30/09/2020 07:09

Bupa, or check local private GPs.

Littlerainbowmouse · 30/09/2020 07:10

I think they took a lot of them off sale due to reliability difficulties.

Tbh I wouldn't waste your money - the experts don't know what antibodies even protect you from at the moment and so these tests are more just a data gathering exercise than anything useful to you.

Original poster

Sb2012 · 30/09/2020 07:14

Basically I had what appeared to be a cold like symptoms set off by what I thought was sleeping under the fan 🤦‍♀️ Didn’t think much of it really. Had sniffles and a slight sore throat. Then I had gastro issues (diarrhoea cramps etc) thought must be something I’ve eaten perhaps. A day or 2 later I started with a really dry burning cough and it’s still not fully gone. I still would have very little of it but now my DC has developed the exact same symptoms a few days later, but he started with a really bad headache first. He also has a sore throat, thickly cough and now diarrhoea. We didn’t eat the same foods (fussy eater I make him different foods to us)

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Original poster

Sb2012 · 30/09/2020 07:16

Do my symptoms sound like I should have for a test. I think it’s too late now as it’s been well over a week. I haven’t been out anywhere and DS hasn’t either.

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RichardMarxisinnocent · 30/09/2020 07:18

If you had a cough then yes you should have had a test, if your DC currently has a cough he needs a test.

Mistigri · 30/09/2020 07:21

Antibody tests are not useful in the early stage of infection.

Headache was my son's main symptom (confirmed positive). But if your DS is still actively unwell then it's probably too early to test for antibodies.

Mistigri · 30/09/2020 07:22

But you should see if you can get him a PCR test if he has recent, active symptoms.

Mindymomo · 30/09/2020 07:25

You have to have a covid test within 5 days of symptoms, so if you’ve had symptoms for longer, you won’t be offered a test, then you are best just continuing self isolating. There are many places offering private antibody tests, most private gps are doing them, whether they are reliable and accurate, no one knows for sure. A friend of mine was in hospital for a minor operation and pre assessment tests showed he had antibodies, therefore he had had covid but never had symptoms.

whatswithtodaytoday · 30/09/2020 07:25

Why don't you get your son a test for infection? It's probably too late for you, but if you had a cough why didn't you get one before?

It takes a few weeks for antibodies to show up.

Original poster

Sb2012 · 30/09/2020 07:37

@Mindymomo

You have to have a covid test within 5 days of symptoms, so if you’ve had symptoms for longer, you won’t be offered a test, then you are best just continuing self isolating. There are many places offering private antibody tests, most private gps are doing them, whether they are reliable and accurate, no one knows for sure. A friend of mine was in hospital for a minor operation and pre assessment tests showed he had antibodies, therefore he had had covid but never had symptoms.

It’s been 5days for him too. I have occasional Ibs also allergies so I honestly didn’t even think to test. With DS he didn’t think to tell me about his headache until it got so bad for him he asked for calpol. (11 years old) how are that was his only symptoms for a while then after about 5 days he started with the cramps diarrhoea and cough. So I think as his initial symptoms of the headache started last week they won’t give him a test either. We both have an active dry cough now but symptoms started almost 1 weeks ago for him and almost 10 days ago for me.

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Original poster

Sb2012 · 30/09/2020 07:40

Oh and he also developed a random red rash on his face right at the start. So headache and red rash on his cheeks was his first symptom. No cough fever for me to even think he needs resting. Took a few days for diarrhoea to start and now finally the dry annoying tickly cough. But all in all it’s been well over a week since this all began. If we had a cough or fever first then would’ve tested.

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DarceyDashwood · 30/09/2020 07:47

I hope you and your son are ok. I agree with PP it is definitely worth trying to get a test for your son if it isn’t too late. 💐

In terms of antibody tests, I am looking into paying for a private one. I know that the presence of antibodies doesn’t mean you have immunity, and that there is nothing to guarantee you won’t get it again. And I certainly intend to continue social distancing and following guidelines. However I have had a lot of anxiety around catching Covid and worrying about the outcome so personally I would take some reassume from the presence of antibodies as that would presumably mean I had been exposed to Covid but didn’t die from it!!

AmelieTaylor · 30/09/2020 08:20

If you can isolate with DS for 10 days from HIS first symptoms, I wouldn't even bother getting a test.

SunInTheSkyYouKnowHowIFeel · 30/09/2020 14:58

Antibody tests only work after a certain amount of time, maybe 14 or 28 days or something? So you might be too late for an antigen test but too early for an antibody test.

Snowpatrolling · 30/09/2020 15:09

I got an antibody test but I was picked for research purposes by the imperial college in London. it stated in the pack I got that they weren’t 100% reliable, but for the purpose of study I did it anyway.