Antibody test

[Cja1956]

Hi, all. So my partner is going for an antibody test today to see if he still has immunity from the vaccine. I’ve tried to google to find out how reliable these tests are. We were supposed to go to New York in a few weeks for the birth of his 5th grandchild, but he just canceled the trip because we are both immuno compromised, and the Delta variant in New York is pretty bad. I know a few people on here got the antibody test, but I’m just not sure if they are reliable for people like us. I’m post ET MF and take hydroxyurea, fedratinib, and baby aspirin. I would appreciate any feedback.

[Paul123456]

I think nobody knows for sure. Clearly high antibodies are better than low antibodies but whether low antibodies means you won’t still be protected by T and B cells is unknown.

When was your partner jabbed? From my experience (first jab of AZ end of Jan, second jab 8 weeks later) my antibodies are still slowly rising. I’m wondering if AZ longer lasting than Pfizer although this may be in part because AZ is 8 - 12 week spacing whereas Pfizer was initially 3 weeks.

Are your WBC and Lymphocytes within normal range?

Best Paul

[Cja1956 in reply to Paul123456]

We both got the Pfizer vaccine around the same time. My second one was March 1st. He’s definitely getting the antibody test but I can’t decide whether it’s worth it for me. My white blood cells and lymphocytes are at normal levels. Everything I’ve read online said it’s not reliable. I might just go and get it just to see what they say.

[Paul123456 in reply to Cja1956]

I’d have thought that if you have good WBC and Lymphocytes (that produce the T cells and B cells) then odds are you are fine but best check with your doc/Hem. I have very low lymphocytes but my Hem was very pleased with my antibody count (300 U/ml) and reckoned over 50 U/ml a good result re protection. I know other MPN’ers with over 2,000!

[Cja1956 in reply to Paul123456]

I know this sounds ignorant, but I’m not sure what the normal lymphocytes are supposed to be. My doctor never discusses them. But my last count was 22.8%, which I believe is normal because they didn’t flag it.

[hunter5582]

Normal reference range may vary a bit by lab. There are actually two numbers to look at. Absolute number of LYMPHs and the % of WBCs that are LYMPH.

Values at my lab

Absolute Ref range = 1.18 - 3.74 [10^3/uL]

% Reference Range = 19.3 - 53.1%

You cannot interpret what you numbers mean in the absence of looking at a number of factors, including the status of your other WBCs.

LYMPH - anti-virus

NEUT = anti-bacterial

Each of the WBCs has a role in you immune system. They are supposed to change in response to what you are exposed to. Here is a nice presentation on understanding you CBC.

youtube.com/watch?v=Xj_yE1p...(Not working as expected?)

[Cja1956 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks so much, Hunter! You always go above and beyond with your wealth of knowledge. The video was very helpful as well as your own information. Thanks again. Be well.

Cindy

[Kdavie12 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you so much for the information

[Wyebird in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks for info and clarification on lymph’s and neuts I didn’t know the difference

[Hidden]

Hi... I wanted to get the antibody test too post vaccination but my doctor explained that they are not reliable and that a result is clearer if you've had covid previously. I also researched it and it just doesn't sound like anything you should rely on. The delta variant is very scary now even for the healthy vaccinated so something to think about for sure. Its an awful time and it has to be so hard not to being able to hold your little new grandchild. On a brighter note... Congratulations !!

[Cja1956 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it is very scary. One of our acquaintances was vaccinated, but he just caught the new variant and is in an induced coma on a ventilator. I know that’s rare, but that stopped us in our tracks and that was that the deciding factor about not going to New York right now. Stay well and thanks.

[Meatloaf9]

Hi, I asked my mpn specialist about 6 weeks ago if I should have an antibody test to see if I had any protection, he said he did not recommend it as they are not reliable and I should wait until a reliable test is available, that's all I know. Good luck to you, if you find a reliable test please let us all know. Best.

[Cja1956 in reply to Meatloaf9]

Yes, that’s what I read too. But I had it anyway, yesterday. I felt a little pressured because my sister and my boyfriend kept saying I should get it. No matter the results, I’m just gonna do what I do anyway, as far as wearing a mask and being careful.

[Anag]

Dear Cja,

There are antibody tests that look for different markers. It depends on which vaccines you, how they work and what exactly is being looked at in the AB test. If they’re not looking for the right markers, You may have good protection, but the test is showing negative. It’s good to check 100%.

Hope all works out.

Anag

[Cja1956 in reply to Anag]

Thanks, Anag!