Anyone had a Covid Antibody test?

Hi! I just wondered if anyone has had a Covid antibody test? And if so, how did you go about getting one? After both my parents testing positive for Covid, and with a colleague who is also a good friend who has been in hospital since November, my anxiety levels are at an all time high... and I still have to go back to work in a nursery the week after next! So I was thinking maybe an antibody test might help settle my anxieties a little, only I'm not sure how or if I could get one? I know that the results don't mean a huge amount anyway, and even if I did have antibodies there is no knowing how much protection that will offer me and for how long! Thanks in advance for any help! X

[MMBJI]

Hi, I paid privately and had mine checked through Bupa. It wasn’t cheap!

You could do an internet search to find what is available near you.

My thoughts were that if I had had C-19 already and survived, then I would be less concerned about catching it again. (Although I have read since that some people have been worse on subsequent occasions.)

I have severe uncontrolled asthma. We have shielded since March. (Unfortunately my test was negative so we were back to square one and still stuck at home)

I hope you get some piece of mind. You just have to do what feels right for you and yours. Weigh up the risks/benefits for your personal circumstances.

[Hidden in reply to MMBJI]

Thank you! I did a quick search and Bupa was the only one that came up, although I'm not sure if there is one local to me..Yes, that was my thinking too, if I've had it and been fine then it might help me be less anxious.. worth a try anyway! Oh bless you, I have mild asthma, generally controlled although hay fever season is my worst period.. I persuaded my boss to furlough me during the 1st lockdown, I work in a nursery, but I don't think there is much chance of being furloughed again due to the number of children, so I don't have much of a choice unless my GP signs me off... but I haven't been anywhere else other than work and the rare social distance visit to my Grandparents gardens since March!

Thank you for your reply, stay safe x

[Poobah]

You may qualify for a free test on the NHS. Link here gov.uk/government/publicati..., it says there's no guarantee that even if you have antibodies that you'll be immune to further covid infection.

Good vit D levels appear to be a factor and you can ensure that yours are ok by taking supplements. More details available from a variety of sources online, but here's an NHS link:

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

Asthma UK has more advice here asthma.org.uk/coronavirus/

[Hidden in reply to Poobah]

Ahh thank you, will have a look at the link! Oh hes, I agree with the Vitamin D, I have another condition as well as asthma where good Vitamin D levels are essential, so I'm making sure I'm topped up with supplementsThanks x

[KnPoa]

I have had one. I am a teacher and have been shielding since March due to severe asthma and the amount of steroids I have. I had lived with someone who tested positive (I had had 2 negative tests) and have had a cough since September so before the GP referred me to the hospital again they asked me to have an antibody test so COVID could be ruled out. My test came back negative. It’s not guaranteed to show if you have had it or not, especially as most scientists believe immunity decreases from 2 months onwards.

[Hidden in reply to KnPoa]

Thank you for your reply xx

[Fruitandnutcase]

Don’t know if this is any help to you. I was about to have one way back in the year - unfortunately I hesitated too long and the government pretty much put paid to them.

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

[Hidden in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Ahh thank you will check it out x