Antibody testing

[Mandy56]

Does anyone know if we can ask for testing anywhere? I had FCR in 2018 and of course have had both jabs. I’d love to know if I have any antibodies. Thanks

[Hidden]

Yes you can ask for testing from your physician here.

[Newdawn Administrator]

You’d need to ask your haematologist Mandy but they’re certainly not offering the tests on the NHS at my hospital.

Newdawn

[JigFettler Volunteer]

I was advised, even if I had antibodies, no test available to say they would be actually functional. No T cell test available anyway.

I have therefore not pursued this.

I had FCR like you, I am markedly hypogammaglobulinaemic, so am assuming a non vaxxed persona. (I am dbl vaxxed, AZ)

Interestingly, I had my pneumococcal vaccination checked at the Haematologist request. I had Abs to it, I was still given a 3rd Pneumovax, but not re tested. All a bit odd I thought. I was going to pursue that then. But it was March 2020, other stuff overtook!!

Jig

[Nickos66]

Hi Mandy,it is of increasing concern that even though the studies coming back are indeed telling the Medical and Government authorities,that some sections of blood cancer patients are failing to produce sufficient antibodies,they are telling us that there isn't an actual test to let us know one way or the other.You would think this is a matter of urgency, we cannot hide at home forever.Maybe someone on here can construct a template letter to request the correct antibody test off their Consultant.

[Walkingtall62 in reply to Nickos66]

I am thinking that Covid is very new to everyone and the research currently being done is also new. I think they are moving at a good pace (maybe not the pace we want, but ). Plus one doesn’t need false answers. As a part of a test/trial I did, I was told by two different companies that I had large numbers of antibodies. Within a very short space of time these antibodies had gone. I was also told I had a negative response to antibodies for a previous Covid infection but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a previous infection. I am sure I haven’t had Covid. I think the scientists are moving at a pace for which I am thankful. I don’t think hounding a consultant for tests and results which may not exist helps. But just my thoughts. I may be very wrong!!

[Catherine67]

Hi Mandy, I couldn’t get any testing in the NHS so I paid for a test. Result showed negative for Covid protection. There were barely any antibodies (<0.4/ml) apparently you need >0.8 for even a small degree of protection. I have been on W&W for 7yrs, no treatment. My test cost £50, they send a kit, you return your blood sample and within 48hrs they text the results.There is a wide variety of such tests available with a broad range of opinion on how what the results really mean but I certainly don’t see my results as encouraging. I shall continue to shield.

[Mandy56 in reply to Catherine67]

Thanks Catherine. Where did you get your test from?

[AutumnJ in reply to Mandy56]

Hi Mandy,I got mine from Testing for All. £49 for the kit which tests for antibodies post vaccination and infection. They do a cheaper test which is just for post infection. They have done follow up surveys and even phoned me. I personally could not fault them.

[DUKELAXDAD]

You can go to any Labcorp office and get the semi-qualitative antibody test. If you get the test through a doctor’s office and have insurance it is free. It you just go on your own, it costs$10.00. The federal government pays the rest. I got my results in two days. I got two tests to be sure. Very easy. The Labcorp people were very helpful and very nice.

[wizzard166]

Mandy I see you are in the UK, and unfortunately I'm not familiar with the medical system there.

For those of us from the US who look at your post, I just want to add that Quest and Labcorp offer the test. From what I just heard from my CLL Specialist, if you have a choice use Labcorp. The reason is Quest's test give only a Yes or No answer. Labcorp measures the amount and even if low will give you a reading.

Carl

[KirbyBH]

If you are in the US you can get a RX from your Doctor and LabCorp does it.

[Jsk1950]

Superdrug about £80 in U.K.

[HJ_2]

Hi Mandy, hope you are doing ok. I couldn’t get a test through the NHS so I also used ‘testing for all’ six weeks after my second vaccine. It’s a Roche test I think. I was really impressed with the service and a very fast turn around. I’m panhypogammaglobulanaemic after fcr with cll progressing towards a second treatment, but was surprised to find my antibody results were 1800. It didn’t change my cautiousness knowing this but it was good to know I produced some antibodies. I had AZ vaccine and felt really ill after them, particularly the second one. I just hope booster vaccines are offered for the autumn! Take Care Helen

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to HJ_2]

I’ve tried to get one of these tests from ‘Testing for All’ (who say they are non profit making and sound good) but it’s presently out of stock. Sounds like they’re inundated with requests!

I’ll try again soon and glad you had a good result! 😊

Newdawn

[Mandy56 in reply to HJ_2]

Thanks Helen. Really pleased to hear your results and good luck going forward. I’ll definitely look into that test, thanks.

[Troglodytes]

I used covid19biocard.co.uk/shop/

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Troglodytes]

This ‘home bleed test’ is presumably a finger pin prick test? It sounds scarier than it is!

Newdawn

[Troglodytes in reply to Newdawn]

Not scary or paunful at all! I enjoyed saying 'It's just a scratch' to myself

[Troglodytes in reply to Troglodytes]

And yes, it's a pin prick test which is very easy to self administer (the pin is hidden in a sheath with a button on top)

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Troglodytes]

Oh I do those several times a day being diabetic. I thought this ‘home bleed test’ was something much more drastic! 😂

Newdawn

[Troglodytes]

Result was zero Covid antibodies. My ex, who works for the NHS, got hers and mine at a discount but normal price is around £45