test Details

Covid-19 Infection, Covid-19 Vaccination, Convalescent Plasma Donation Eligibility

Covid-19 has changed the functioning and ways of the world. Constant developments are taking place to tackle it. Antibody tests and diagnostic tests are the two types of tests performed for Covid-19. Diagnostic tests help diagnose active Covid infection, whereas antibody tests help detect any past infection from the Covid-19 virus.

The Covid Spike S1 Antibody test procedure is an antibody test. It detects the presence of antibodies formed against the Covid-19 virus in our body. Antibodies are formed by our immune system against the presence of an infection. Covid Spike S1 antibodies are developed when there is a Covid-19 infection or after vaccination.

The Coronavirus has ‘spike proteins’ on its outer surface, which play a major role in its infection. S1 and S2 are the subunits of this spike protein. When S1 attaches to our cells, S2 helps the virus to enter the cell and spread infection.

Upon infection, our body produces antibodies to fight it. The antibodies developed by our immune system to fight the Spike S1 subunit are called Covid Spike S1 antibodies. The Covid Spike S1 Antibody test measures these in a blood sample.

This test does not determine the current presence of Covid-19 infection as antibodies are generally formed 1-3 weeks after the infection. Thus, it is not performed to check an active Covid-19 infection.

The Covid Spike S1 Antibody blood test is performed to identify an occurrence of Covid-19 infection in the past or recovery from it. However, the presence of antibodies does not confirm that there will be no reinfection.

This test also helps to detect the eligibility of plasma donation. If the test result is positive, which means there is a presence of antibodies in the blood, then the plasma of that person can be donated. This plasma can then be used as a treatment in severe cases.

India has reported about 33 lakh confirmed cases since the pandemic began and about 4.5 lakh deaths have occurred. The presence of infections has been found in both rural and urban populations.

The second wave, in particular, proved highly challenging to India. The vaccination drive is proving beneficial in the prevention of infection and/or helping to prevent disease progression. The diagnostic methods are also proving highly important in the management of this disease. Constant developments are happening in diagnosis and other areas to manage the disease better.

Other names of the Covid spike S1 Antibody test

• Serological test
• Serology or Serology test for Covid-19.
• Blood Test or Antibody test for Covid-19.

What does Covid Spike S1 Antibody test detect and who is this prescribed for?

The Covid Spike S1 Antibody test identifies the presence of antibodies in the body against the Covid-19 spike protein. It is generally prescribed to check the occurrence of Covid-19 infection in the (recent) past.

However, this test does not detect whether one is currently infected with Covid-19, as the antibodies are typically formed 1-3 weeks after the infection. So, it should not be considered to check an existing Covid-19 infection.

Covid Spike S1 Antibody test is performed to confirm a past infection with Covid-19 where no symptoms were experienced. It is also recommended by medical professionals to research the disease. Also, to check the eligibility for plasma donation, this test is prescribed.

Covid Spike S1 Antibody test results can turn out positive or negative. A positive result proves the presence of Covid-19 antibodies. These antibodies could be formed due to a Covid-19 infection in the past or through vaccination.

Positive Covid Spike S1 Antibody test results can also present without any experience of Covid-19 symptoms or a vaccination. These could indicate that the person had an asymptomatic infection, where the person was infected but had no symptoms. In some reports, false-positive results are also found, which means that the person’s test was positive, but they have no antibodies.

Covid Spike S1 Antibody test negative results suggest there was no Covid-19 infection in the past. In the case of current infection, too, the results could come negative as antibodies take 1-3 weeks to get formed. Also, though infected with Covid-19, a few people do not form antibodies; so, they too can test negative.

Thus, antibody tests are not recommended to diagnose Covid-19 infection. False-negative results also tend to occur when, despite having antibodies, the individual tests negative.

It is necessary to refer the Covid Spike S1 Antibody test reports to a healthcare professional to understand what the results indicate.

For the Covid Spike S1 Antibody test, a sample of blood is taken either by a finger prick or from a vein.

Test Preparation

There are no particular preparations required to take this test. The blood sample collection is done from a prominent vein of the forearm, commonly.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

• IgM SARS-CoV-2 antibody against Spike Protein: These antibodies are produced by our body immediately upon infection. They stay for a few weeks and reduce the production of IgG antibodies.
• IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibody against Spike Protein: These antibodies are produced a few weeks after the infection. They are present in our body for a long time and upon a second infection, our body instantly produces these to prevent reinfection.

How frequently should you take this test?

The Covid Spike S1 Antibody test is performed on the advice of medical professionals. There are no specific guidelines about the repetition of the test or the frequency. This decision is entirely up to the medical professional.