Antibody tests

[DJK12]

This seems to be quite a hopeful development which would potentially show whether we have vaccine induced immunity. It was in the Scottish papers yesterday and is in the Scottish section of The Times today:

abdn.ac.uk/news/15066/

It states

"For the first time, the new tests can be used to estimate the prevalence of circulating variant strains in the community, including the variants first identified in Kent and in India, now known as the Alpha and Delta variants. The tests can also assess the long-term immunity of an individual and whether immunity is vaccine-induced or is a result of previous exposure to the infection – information that is invaluable in helping to prevent the spread of infection."

I haven't any connection to Aberdeen University or the company involved.

Diana

[JediReject]

Hi Diana , , , Sounds encouraging news. . . That is the level,of testing we need I think as it seems very hit and miss just now and it would be good to have confidence in the results, , , however blood cancer and some other groups also need additional ways of boosting their antibody levels so they aren't left behind in the immunity stakes and feel relatively safe mixing in groups longer term. Thanks for sharing it.

Chris

[DJK12 in reply to JediReject]

You're right Chris - I think it's going to be a two parter for some of us. Having just spent a night in hospital as I needed oxygen and IV antibiotics for a sudden respiratory infection I am a bit concerned my immune system, like many others, is not great. Hopefully the work for developing a special booster for blood cancer and other patients with dodgy immune systems is going apace.Diana

[JediReject in reply to DJK12]

Oo sorry you're poorly right now, , please get well soon. . . It was just it's great having a brill accurate antibody test but if it consistently tells you you have very little or no defence it could put a real downer on your outlook. As an aside a friend had Covid a few months back and since has had several infections which she wasn't prone to prior so that might have bearing on general immunity even for usually healthy folk.

I hope you're ok !

[DJK12 in reply to JediReject]

Thank you - gradually getting better. Luckily shortly afterwards had first face to face with haematologist in 9 months and he promptly prescribed another course of antibiotics - he'd treated me in hospital twice for pneumonia and another respiratory infection and knew this took a long time to clear. Only real problem in hospital was that because of covid we can't go in via haematology who don't mess around and treat quickly. Although treatment eventually excellent they tried to withhold ruxolitinib but I was luckily feeling a bit more with it and made them phone haematology. It's now on the discharge letter that it mustn't be stopped. All in all though I thought the hospital was very organised covid wise and staff remarkably upbeat in very trying circumstances.Odd that that potentially good antibody test not getting more publicity. Diana

[Bluetop]

Sounds promising -some more accurate and informed means of assessing immunity. Thanks for posting.