Neutralizing Antibodies Exam: understand what it is and how it is done

Since the beginning of the new coronavirus pandemic , the search for effective ways to prevent and detect Covid-19, a disease caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2), has become a worldwide race. From varied tests to different vaccine options, laboratories and pharmaceutical companies have come a long way in order to improve these discoveries more and more.

Currently, an important step in preventing the disease is being able to confirm the action of the vaccine in the body, through tests that detect the antibodies responsible for fighting the virus in the human body.

SARS-Cov-2 is the virus that causes Covid-19.

In this sense, the Neutralizing Antibodies Exam (Rapid Antiprotein S Test) is an option that has been used to make this proof, both after the application of an immunizing agent and in cases of post-infection.

So in this article we are going to talk about how it is done and in which cases it can be done

Contents

What is the Neutralizing Antibodies Exam?

The Neutralizing Antibodies Test, or Anti-Protein S Antibodies Rapid Test, is a rapid test that aims to qualify the body’s immune response, assessing the ability of antibodies to block the action of the SARS-Cov-2 virus in the body of those who have already been infected or took an immunizer.

This viral action occurs due to the binding of protein S (Spike) to the receptor (protein ACE2) in human cells, but it is prevented when anti-protein S antibodies already exist. Thus, the virus does not replicate throughout the body, neutralizing the effects of the disease.

However, it is worth remembering that not every antibody test is able to detect their neutralizing function, which is why the Rapid Anti-Protein S Test is the most effective in this sense, since it is specific to protein S (Spike).

Who is it for?

The test is indicated for people who have already been immunized by means of the vaccine, to find out if they already have protective antibodies against the new coronavirus and for people who have already been infected, to identify neutralizing antibodies against protein S (Spike) of the virus.

In addition, it is also advised for individuals who have tested negative on other tests, but who still suspect that they have been infected with SARS-Cov-2.

How is the Neutralizing Antibodies Exam done?

The Neutralizing Antibodies Examination is done quickly, through the collection of capillary blood, and it is possible to have the result on the same day . For people who have already taken two doses of the vaccine, it is recommended to do the test 15 days after the last dose.

For those who have had Covid-19, the indication is that it is performed 21 days after exposure to the virus or 14 days after symptoms.

In this way, the test result is named Reagent (when there are neutralizing antibodies) and Non-Reagent (when there are no neutralizing antibodies). In addition, the percentage detected is shown, being considered Reagent when it is above 20%.

What is the difference between exams?

There are tests to detect the presence of the virus in people who have the symptoms and also those that detect it in people who have had the symptoms before.

Currently, there are several options for exams to detect Covid-19.

Thus, tests such as RT- PCR , the Rapid Antigen Test Ag and RT-LAMP (saliva) are the most indicated in cases where the symptoms are between the 2nd and 10th day. They are done through nasopharyngeal and saliva swab collection, respectively.

The Neutralizing Antibodies Examination, the IgG and IgM Serology and the IgG and IGM Rapid Test are effective for the detection of post-infection and after the use of the immunizer, and are carried out using blood samples.

Therefore, it is also recommended to consult a doctor to find out which test is the most appropriate for the situation in which you find yourself.

Where to do the Neutralizing Antibodies Exam and other tests?

All of these tests are carried out in clinical analysis laboratories present throughout Brazil. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, it is possible to do them through Veus, where you can choose to do it in any unit, at home or in the available drive-thrus.

The purchase can be made directly on the platform of Consulta Remédios . After that, you will receive a confirmation email, which must be presented as proof of payment at the time of collection.

If the collection is at home, the appointment is made via telephone after the purchase, to be carried out at the address provided by the patient.

In addition, Veus offers telephone support to help you choose the test that best suits your needs and answer any other questions.

The tests available for purchase on the platform are:

  • RT-LAMP (saliva)
  • RT-PCR
  • Ag Antigen
  • Rapid IgG and IGM Test
  • Rapid Antiprotein S Test

About Veus

For over 25 years, Veus has been developing agile technology and logistics solutions with easy use, accelerating processes, increasing return on investments and reducing costs and risks.

Born in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the company operates with clinical analysis laboratories all over the country, offering portable, agile and safe tests.

Its services also include exams via drive-thru, home and business services, currently with 74 service units in 58 cities.


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