Viral tests check samples from your respiratory system (such as swabs of the inside of the nose) to tell you if you currently have an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Click Here for more information from the CDC.
Antibody blood tests, also called antibody tests, check your blood by looking for antibodies, which show if you had a previous infection with the virus. Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with a current COVID-19 infection. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose someone as being currently sick with COVID-19. Click Here for more information from the CDC.
As stated above both the Viral and Antibody test have their own capabilities. It is important to have both test administered due to the fact each test provides you with unique information to help you understand the best way to navigate COVID. For example, should you test positive for the virus and negative for the antibody, you would have the option to get tested again 8 to 14 days later to identify rather or not your body’s adaptive immune response is developing antibodies to help you fight COVID. According to the FDA antibody test can also play a role in the fight against COVID by helping healthcare professionals identify individuals who have developed an adaptive immune responses to COVID and can donate a part of their blood called convalescent plasma, which may serve as a possible treatment for those who are seriously ill from COVID.
Lynx Healthcare is using the highest standard of testing available according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. As of May, 13th 2020 Test Ortho-Clinic Diagnostics VITROS Immunodiagnostic Products Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total reagent pack and Calibrator is the ONLY test on the market that has tested 100% sensitivity and specificity for all Antibody/Serology testing measures according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Testing with Lynx Healthcare Labs will yield the highest level of accuracy for all Employers as well as the General Public who tests with us. Check out how Lynx Healthcare Laboratory test match up against the nations top test by clicking Here or scrolling down according to the FDA.