Thread by @AllergyKidsDoc, Everyone's talking about this antibody test for #COVID19. Here's why:-It's important -It [...]

Everyone& #39;s talking about this antibody test for #COVID19.

Here& #39;s why:
-It& #39;s important
-It differs from current testing
-Our immune systems are so cool!

A #COVID19Pandemic Thread

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬇️" title="Downwards arrow" aria-label="Emoji: Downwards arrow"> https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/health/fda-coronavirus-antibody-test-authorization/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/0...

FDA authorizes first coronavirus antibody test

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued its first emergency use authorization for a coronavirus test that looks for antibodies in the blood.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/health/fda-coronavirus-antibody-test-authorization/index.html

Current #COVID19 test uses a nasopharyngeal swab that requires proper technique (no gag = not likely deep enough) & proper storing/transport.

Samples are run in a lab to look for pieces of genetic material specific to SARS-CoV-2.

Current swab for #COVID19

PROS: Can identify active infection

CONS: May have false negatives, takes hours to run in most labs, proper technique important, cannot identify someone who previously had infection but is not shedding virus

GREAT explanation: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-tests-available.html">https://www.livescience.com/coronavir...

Coronavirus testing is ramping up. Here are the new tests and how they work.

https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-tests-available.html

Newer #COVID19 test is a blood test that measures antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2.

PROS: Can identify someone:
Exposed and contagious (

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Upwards arrow" aria-label="Emoji: Upwards arrow">IgM/

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬇️" title="Downwards arrow" aria-label="Emoji: Downwards arrow">IgG)
Actively infected (

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Upwards arrow" aria-label="Emoji: Upwards arrow">IgM/

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Upwards arrow" aria-label="Emoji: Upwards arrow">IgG)
Who may be immune (

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬇️" title="Downwards arrow" aria-label="Emoji: Downwards arrow">IgM/

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Upwards arrow" aria-label="Emoji: Upwards arrow">IgG)

CONS: Test too early = false negative, blood sample needed

Newer #COVID19 test is a blood test that measures antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2. PROS: Can identify someone:Exposed and contagious (https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable=

The principles surrounding the #COVID19 antibody test are the same used to check if someone& #39;s vaccines continue to offer immunity, i.e. checking MMR titers for employment, or to diagnose mononucleosis (EBV titers).

New use for old knowledge

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👍" title="Thumbs up" aria-label="Emoji: Thumbs up"> https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-tests-available.html">https://www.livescience.com/coronavir...

Coronavirus testing is ramping up. Here are the new tests and how they work.

https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-tests-available.html

Antibody tests for #COVID19 *could* help:

-Identify community spread
-See if someone is immune
-Help healthcare workers know if they need PPE
-Develop treatment w plasma infusions from those who are immune

VERY early...and we& #39;ve already seen challenges with large scale testing

Hope this quick tutorial offers some insight.

If we& #39;ve learned anything with this #COVID19Pandemic, news changes fast so please use vetted resources such as @CDCgov @WHO for current information.

I told you the immune system was cool

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😉" title="Winking face" aria-label="Emoji: Winking face">

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