Hi Everyone.
Today I have paid to have the Abbot Antibody Test delivered for my husband.
He was really poorly over the Christmas/New Year and had to stop his injections. I am not for one minute saying it was Covid but for peace of mind I want to see if it shows he has any antibodies for it. Obviously we know even if the test shows he has antibodies it won't mean he is immune from it but it will give a little peace of mind.
Hi, if you don't mind me asking...did you buy one online?
Hi, I don't mind you asking at all. It was £59 (not for profit) from Thriva.
Thriva are great!
My Son in Law often sends blood tests to them
Hi, may I ask you how it will give you peace of mind?
Exactly!
The Roche Test the government is going to use is being rolled out next week and will be available to all frontline workers.....but how or where still seems shrouded in mystery.
Employers are going to be able to access the test for their employees
wanting to go back to work.
But as far as I can see there is still not 100% certainty the test is 100% reliable & there are warnings that the tests available on line may not be reliable either.
Until a test is proved 100% reliable I don’t think I’ll bother.As far as I understand there is no test that tells if you do show immunity....how long it will last.
Think I’ll wait to until there is a test that will be accepted by other countries too........it’s no good having one if it’s not accepted anywhere if you need proof positive to travel....if you just want it for (?) peace of mind....let’s hope it does work OK.
Its not just a random test it is one of the Gov Approved ones as shown in the following link
gov.uk/government/news/gove...
It is one of the two the government are using Abbott and Roche. This Abbot one is being sold online through Medichecks too and I’ve got a feeling that might (only might) be what Superdrug are selling.
I’ve got a feeling the Roche one tells you the result almost right away and the Abbot one needs to be sent off and you get the results in a couple of days.
I had something like what your husband had from before Christmas to after New Year, I was so ill with something that wasn’t flu but had so many covid 19 symptoms that I can see why you would like to know. I’ll be interested to hear how he gets on with it,
I’m not sure how long you will have antibodies for if you have them.
The reason for peace of mind is if they lift the Shielding then I know he will have/have not some antibody already. Obviously the normal social distancing guidance etc would still be adhered to.
I can understand that. My concern is that if he does have antibodies, or if anyone shows that they have antibodies, they might assume that they are immune. And there is no solid evidence that that is the case. I just worry that people will be less vigilant of social distancing measures and that can put them or others at risk.
I know I’m an old cynic but if they give out certificates for people who have tested positive for antibodies I can see people forging certificates and all sorts of dodgy dealings before too long.
I agree. I don't think you are a cynic at all.
I could see this too 😑
I agree with you totally. This isn't a certificate it's your own online portal. When the test arrives and the results come back I'm happy to share a photo with you all.
I can't remember if it is the canaries but they are looking at adding any results to the individuals track and trace app.
Exactly my thoughts too Tulip 😑 x
Are these one approved or the useless ones the government sent back lol !I dont know if it is actually any help A) they may be incorrect and B) if it says he has the antigen it does not mean hes immune .
But let us know hope you get on .. my hubby was the same
I certainly wouldn't be paying for a 'useless one'. The test is the Abbott one of the 2 that has been approved by PHE. Further info is on the Gov website.
Well you know the government approve this one, if so why are they not GIVING them to US instead of selling them to chemists .... ???????
The Gov arent selling them to the chemist the companies who have produced them have sold 10 million to Gov so far. I can only assume that they will also be selling to others too.
I bet they are , so why then arent the government giving us them ? It's about time , I really would buy one as well but can you trust the validity?
Superdrug I think it was reckoned their tests are 97% reliable. When this was put to one of the government boffins he said 97% was acceptable.
I would not pay for Superdrug.
But if you don’t know IF you have immunity or for how long it lasts .......why pay for a test that won’t be accepted say for Travel ?
From what I have read there are no guarantees yet.
I'm only repeating what was said.
By whom?
I think everybody believes what they want to believe!
If only we could get a straight answer to the myriad of questions we have, we might be a bit happier?
I'm not sure I understand what you mean? I don't have an agenda here and won't be buying or having any antibody test as I know the result would be negative. I'm just repeating what I heard some journalist ask Priti Patel and her sidekick boffin and the reply he gave in today's briefing.
I didn’t see PP today, But if. you are found to have antibodies it only confirms you have encountered the virus, It doesn’t confirm If you have immunity, or if you have......for how long.
For me that information would be the only reason I would think of having the test.
Once we can travel again...countries we are wanting to visit are likely to want some sort of proof we are safe to let into their country...ie we are not carriers....so until that test is available..I’m sitting on the fence.
Yes, the gov scientist, forget his name, also said that because someone has antibodies it doesn't necessarily mean they are immune though that is now looking more likely, but how long someone remains immune is still not clear. He mentioned one or two other things but I can't remember what.
I don't need a 97% reliable test to tell me whether or not I have antibodies, or even 99.9% reliable test. I'm 100% sure that I don't have any so have absolutely no intention of having a test be it free or not.
I might get one out of pure curiosity. What I'd do with the result I've no idea.
I broke my shielding this week. I have a feral cat that was really poorly and wasn't drinking. If she didn't see a vet she was going to die. RSPCA, sanctuaries refused to help. But a veterinary nurse that's used to catching feral cats came, caught her so photos could be sent to the vets. 10 weeks indoors, but what could I do. No option. I'm now holding my breath for 2 weeks. She lives on a farm and hasn't seen anyone much and been off work for 2 months so the risk must be low. I hope. Cats fine now though!!
If you get the test....Let us know how it goes. Wonder if there would be any follow-up?
Glad the moggie is doing well,...I’m sure you kept your distance, don’t worry too much...you will be fine.
She's fine. Lady was covered in blood, mog was screaming as she had her in a headlock. Sort of kept my distance, but had to take a pic for the vet as three offending teeth came out in the fight so no need for the vet in the end 🤣🤣 So definitely wasn't 2 meters away. I had to take the chance though as she wouldn't have survived much longer. I'd be very very unlucky I think to catch anything.
I doubt there's any follow up unless you purchase a consultants time. I'll let you know!
I am aware of all of that, I follow every Gov update on the Covid-19 and get an email everything an update or new guidance is brought out in real time.
I have done it for my own peace of mind as stated above. I don't mind paying the £59 and aware that it wont be accepted for travel etc.
Gosh thats taking the mick ! Especially us you dont have the antigens 😂😂 I'd want them to announce it at my door and give me a badge!!
I certainly will Ajay575. You get your own online portal with results and your health history is taken too.
gov.uk/government/news/gove...
This link you will see the approved tests.
Disgusted at this . We pay tax and this test is essential. It should be given out NOW, FREE, TO ALL IN THE UK
I agree but for obvious reasons the NHS and Carers are priority. The Gov are not telling us to go and buy one (im sure our turn will come on the NHS one day) it was personal choice.
Some people want something for nothing why shouldn't we pay. Try living in other countries with no NHS.
I think our government has been very supportive
Definitely! Why do people expect everything for nothing. Drives me insane
I dont agree. I worked three jobs at times and paid lots of tax on them all. Our nhs is one of the best things about our country and that's why many people try to come here. So for those who have contributed I have no hesitation in saying healthcare , including testing , should be free .
That's fine - but as the NHS have massive debts and have had them for over 20 years, it's not really tenable
I and many others will fight tooth and nail to keep our nhs free at point of delivery
That's good, but no idea of the relevance to there being huge debts; sorry
Yes I agree. The way I look at it is.. His weekly biologic costs £11000 a year according to his rheumatologist and he also has 25mg MTX injections though I know the cost isn't anywhere near the biologic. Yes we both have always and continue to pay our Tax and NI and have only ever received child benefit. I have no problem whatsoever paying for this test its a personal choice but even if the GOV said everyone wanting the test needs to pay a fee I wouldn't complain.
Its not a case of wanting something for nothing . The government weeks ago promised a trace and track system and antigen testing to the people of this country.
They havent delivered it and it does seem a shame that you would have to buy this expensive test as that's a week worth if food to some families at £69 .
So they havent delivered on tracing and testing and tracking yet .
I would hate to live in a country with no nhs and if anything I really hope this pandemic makes us support and continue our nhs in the spirit it was intended, free healthcare for ALL .
You talk complete rot
No need for rudeness if you DONT agree with me, we on this site..., talk debate, support , but rudeness... NO
Allanah, sorry someone has been rude to you. You are a very knowledgeable and fair person who certainly does not fall rot. Ignore the unnecessary comment and you are right, testing should be free. x
It’s because there are downsides to antibody tests including the risk of causing infection to others if the test shows you have antibodies and you don’t. Tests are not 100% accurate.
We also still don’t know if antibodies actually gives you immunity and if it does, how long for. There is a concern people will purposely try to get the virus which puts them and others at risk.
I can’t find the government document on the downsides of mass antibody testing right now but it’s worth a google.
I agree . I think some people , not lisac, would think it's a license to go out normally x
The new test is 100% accurate in measuring antibodies. They just aren't sure how long the antibodies last in your system.
No its £59 from Thriva and is one of the two the Government has purchased from. I think everyone especially those shielding should be given it is a priority too. I don't know about anyone else but my husband is down due to the length of time in shielding. We have strictly followed everything in the letter apart from different bathrooms as we only have one.
Yes shielding is awful, I hate it, we are lucky to have 2 bathrooms and if it a trusted test gair enough but both of you would have to have antigens to make it a better situation?
My son in law has used that company many times just to confirm certain blood results too.
Just for info I am not trying to push this test on anyone, its each to their own. I just wanted to share something with you all. I will keep you all updated and try to upload photos or share results etc if my limited tech brain allows.
Oh I know, it's just a discussion sweetie, I hope it gives you some help !
I’ve ordered one too, did the sample, and now it’s stuck at a mail centre for 2 days - I think it’s lost 😂 they said the blood is good for 5-7 days and they check it to make sure it’s a good sample before testing it, but if not, or if it doesn’t eventually arrive at the lab they send me another one out.... this is just my luck 😂
And just to add this is for my own benefit no one else’s I just want to know if it was what I had or not. Even if it’s positive my behaviour will remain exactly the same and I will still be socially distancing etc etc. Especially as I’m the one doing shopping for family who are shielding, and I work in a supermarket. I’m too important to them to risk anything!
No they aren't sure Ajay, if they were sure everyone has immunity they wouldnt be paying for tests for us all. There is currently research going on with Great Ormand Street Hospital and I think 1000 employees who have been given the antibody test and will be followed for the next 6 year. I would think it would take years to know how long it would last as we would need someone to get it for the 2nd time before it was know.
What I'm saying is they are selling them to chemists instead of using them for people, say teachers ......
I hope it's helpful for you and your husband, whatever the result. We all have to weigh it up and find a way forward that makes some sense to us. There's too much conflicting info.
But you don't know that. SAGE doesn't know that. It sounds like you are saying that if you have a positive antibody test then "you would be given the freedom." I'm sorry but that is just not the case at the moment. It might change in time, but right now it will not change any social distancing rules or give you more freedom.
Thanks for posting this lisac123. I'm very tempted to get this test purely out of my own curiosity, because I had symptoms in the middle of February. I'm not too bothered about antibodies, I'm just interested to know if I've had it or not! but will I spend £59 to find out or wait for the general roll out? 😂
These things concern me. So many people are looking for a chink in the armour, a little glimmer of light at the end of a very long tunnel. I understand that people need some hope for the future but the wrong information in the wrong hands is extremely dangerous and counter productive. If, as you say, it is just to know whether or not your husband has had the virus that is fine but please continue to keep your distance from others for everyone's sake. Until we are given definitive proof that these tests are accurate, it is safer to assume they are aren't. As for being safe going abroad. That wouldn't apply to me as I will never leave Britain again. I hope you both feel some sense of relief when you get the results. Good luck. Stay safe. x
.....really it's confusing as if a health worker which I am, and think you have likely had it, the test is to give you peace supposedly to work but this feels contradictory, a positive test result surely gives you something?
....Maybe at end of day it just gives you less fear and that you survived ok and therefore if reinfected you would hopefully be less poorly
Thank you Sheila. There is no way we would stop shielding just because of a test result. However if it comes back he has antibodies he will be asking the consultant if he can go for a drive and walk in isolated places. We have come this far and wouldn't risk anything now. X
How accurate is the test? The old ones are very inaccurate.
I've posted the link in one of the comments above.
My son is an A&E Consultant who has definitely had coronavirus (positive test) and is now taking part in some project testing people for antibodies.
I’ll try to find out if he got his results back and what they think that means, if anything.
I do know there is 1000 staff from Great Ormond Street taking part and they will be monitored for the next 6 year. I can only assume that will be to find out how long the antibodies last.
Please ask for further info it will be interesting.
Spoke to son yesterday and apparently there are 2 specific things they’re looking for.
1 - His test showed that he had the antibody that proved he’d had the virus (which he knew because he already had a positive test but would be useful to know if you thought you had it without having had a test)
2 - The antibody that would suggest he had some immunity. This isn’t there and at this stage they don’t understand what that means and whether it will change over time.
Next round will to see what, if anything, has changed.
In his line of work and with 2 young boys it’s a real worry that he doesn’t seem to be any less at risk for having already had it, along with his family all of whom ended up ill to some degree.
Maybe he can have a wee jaunt to Durham next time 😡
Well, that seemed to heat up a good discussion / debate. In the curcumstances we're in right now, i think we're all after that extra bit of info that may or may not do any good. But if you get a tad of information, you can always say "I tried".
You gi for it girl!!
Hi.
I'm very interested to see if he has antibodies, and I would absolutely want to know!
I know of a lot of people, me included that was really poor le December /January.. Most probably just a strain of winter virus, but a particularly bad one.. Which makes me wonder..
Please keep us updated
Jo xx
Thanks lisac123, great debate xxxxx
I would be interested in the results. I’m convinced myself and my 16 year old son had this. My son had a very high temperature for 10 days we just couldn’t get it down and it took him over 5 weeks to get his strength back (he was physically weak. He’s very fit and a competitive swimmer)we were told it was just a virus. Unfortunately we had a family party during this time and as he was feeling better he attended but was bad again after for a couple of days . An elderly relative died 3 weeks later from covid ???? Did he have it and spread it. ... my symptoms were a persistent cough I could cough for 30 minutes at a time chest very tight weakness,aches and pains with severe headaches again I could have had it .. would love to know.
Both myself and my partner were ill with very similar symptoms back in early February. 2 colleagues at work also had it and I'd be interested to see if it was x
Thanks for the info. I have to go back to work in June. Me and husband were ill in March. Would love to feel a little bit safer. Might have to give serious thought into buying the test myself.
I was happy to debate this very important point until people became rude. I hope the test helps you and your hubby havd peace of mind though, which was the initial point of your post.
I however will not be looking in on any more replies as they are just upsetting and rude to me .
Night xx
Why wouldn't he be immune if he has anti bodies?
That is what they did say. They aren't sure how long the antibodies will protect you though but will give you some protection.
Not sure what you are on about? They said the new antibody test is 100% accurate and will tell you if you have antibodies. Doesn't tell you how many or how much protection against virus you have or if protected for how long but definitely tells you if you have had Covid 19 so it's a good start.
I'm considering this too as I was really ill in Feb and I'd just like to know if I had it. It was probably unrelated but I'd still like to know either way. I'll be interested to see how you get on.
Gosh you are quick Ajay! Yes just wondering how the test went?
My sample Finally got to the lab and now some health body has decided to research to see if fingertip bloody (capillary blood) is as accurate as blood from the veins.... so they have halted ALL fingerpick antibody tests.... since mine is at lab it will be tested but won’t know result until after this review is completed ☹️
I have news about ordering Covid test kits :-)
Covid antibody results
Blood Test
PERHAPS THE NRAS CAN ADVISE
