So, #antibodytesting for #coronavirus or also know as Serologic antibody tests, are currently the hot topic. There is a lot of miss understanding here. So much so, even the journals are making things confusing. Lest clear some things up. #thread

1- There are 2 types of these test, a lateral flow assays & enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Got it? Ok cool.

The lateral flow assay is the quicker of the 2 styles of antibody test. It’s what a majority of local and state Gov’s are using to get first responders back into service. It is equatable to a pregnancy test. It merely says that you have/have been/ are infected with Covid19.

Nothing more. It does not tell you if you’re now immune or currently spreading the disease. It only says that you have the antibodies. That’s it. To claim different is a falsehood.

The ELISAs laboratory platform antibody test measure antibody titers. The amount of titers that your antibodies have indicate your immunity level. The more, the better. This test is not as fast, requiring more time and chemicals (reagents) so, it’s not done as often.

Government officials need to start making the distinction between these test. You as a public need to ask which one you’re getting. Otherwise, you could be that guy spreading the virus. Got it? Cool.

To see how confusing this apparently is, here’s a link to a respected journal that struggles to point this out. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2764954