The coronavirus antibody test is performed to determine the blood level of antibodies that are developed against the virus. This test determines if a person was infected by a coronavirus in the past.
What is coronavirus?Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause respiratory infections in humans. The infections can range from mild (common cold) to severe (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)).
Importantly, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe, highly infectious disease caused by very recently identified coronavirus namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2).
How coronavirus is detected in COVID-19 patients?Presently, two types of viral tests are approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA): molecular test and antigen test.
In molecular tests, the viral genetic material is detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The test is done using biological fluid collected from nasal or throat swab or using saliva. Some at-home test kits, such as nasal swab kit and saliva kit, are also effective in detecting coronavirus.
