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How do PCR and antibody tests differ?

Using PCR technology can be detected even small amounts of virus particles. However, the method can only be used for testing for a limited period of time.

After a time, the body begins to form specific antibodies that can fight against coronavirus. As soon as all viruses have been eliminated, a test for SARS-CoV-2 using PCR technology is no longer possible. This is usually still possible about ten days after the symptoms appear.

The first antibodies can usually be detected in the blood approximately two to eight days after the first symptoms of the disease appear and often remain there a few years after the infection with the virus itself.

Antibody teste for SARS-CoV-2

In connection with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, two test methods need to be differentiated. While an infection with SARS-CoV-2 can be detected by a PCR test, an antibody test serves to detect antibodies in the blood.

Antibody tests thus show whether a patient has already developed COVID-19 and whether his body has produced specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 during infection.

As long as they can be detected in the blood of the test subject, the person tested is immune to re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This is possible by antibody analysis in a certified genetic laboratory: Novogenia Salzburg

To combat SARS-CoV-2 infection, the immune system forms antibodies that can recognize the virus and make it harmless. They often remain in the blood for several years and thus ensure immunity.

Their formation begins about two to eight days after the first symptoms appear. From then on, antibodies can be detected in the blood.

Therefore, an antibody test is relatively late. Provides the opportunity to measure whether a patient is immune to re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 after surviving the disease.

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How does our coronavirus antibody test works?

Antibody analysis for SARS-CoV-2 is performed in the multi-certified Novogenia genetic laboratory. Only a few drops of the patient’s blood are needed to perform the test. Those can be obtained with a simple finger sting.

We will send the required sample set for this, together with the appropriate mailing instructions. After the sample has safely arrived in our laboratory in the closed transport package, the antibody test is performed.
The results of the tests protected by authentication (REGISTRATION) are then transmitted, in the form of an e-mail.