Hello. I had my antibodies checked recently using the Roche test. The results were quite low (350 ulm). However there was a footnote that said we should interpret results with caution if we’re immuo- compromised. Any thoughts please ? Also someone I know had a result of greater than 2500. What does this mean ? Many thanks 🙏
Roche Covid Antibdy test : Hello. I had my antibodies... - NRAS
Roche Covid Antibdy test
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I have decided not to even bother having one done because no-one can interpret it. I will live in hope rather than worry about a number that means nothing as no-one knows how much is good or bad. Just continue to protect yourself as much as you can.
I had one too but at a private GP who called a professor in London to help interpret the results. They said anything over 0.8 is a positive response. The top response is 2500.
Around the world, the general consensus was that anything over 150 was a very good response but they are still collating data. Looks like 350 is good.
I had a test after my first two vaccines = 1000. Then when it was confirmed that efficacy was waning, especially in the immunosuppressed, I had another test which = 440, big drop. So I managed to get a third vaccine, not booster, and tested myself again = >2500. I take 20 mg methotrexate and missed two weeks dose after vaccine. You ask what does this mean. The increase has made me feel more confident to go into restaurants and see family a bit more. I hope I’m right. I don’t know for sure so it’s up to the individual I suppose.
😄😉
The problem is that there are several different types of immune response. The antibody test looks at various parts of that immune response depending on the exact test. It is becoming clear that 'T-cell' immunity is perhaps a more long lasting immunity, but this is only looked at currently in research studies.
I don't think that the level gives us sufficient information on which to base our behaviour - we should still take care even if fully vaccinated. And having high levels of immunity might mean that you get rid of the virus quickly and don't suffer significant illness, but you could still catch it, carry it for a few days and pass it onto someone else before eliminating it with your own immunity.
I did the Roche spike protein antibodies test back in May with a reputable company who sent me a certificate with all my details/proof on should I need to show my consultants which has proved useful indeed. My consultant also thought it was a good idea for me to test for antibodies. We both suspected Rituximab would not have allowed an immune response to my vaccines and needed to know and this was correct. Zero antibodies. I have also recently been tested by the main city immunology centre/hospital and that was zero too.
Whatever anyone else says on here it’s your choice re knowing or not, and how you feel about knowing/not knowing. Concerns from medics have been that a positive result could mean some people are less likely to be as cautious as they previously were and also it’s hard to interpret what is the titre they’re looking for, for protection. Antibodies wane and unless you keep re-testing you don’t know for sure when they have diminished.
Mine was 29
At a recent NRAS rheum zoom, a figure of 400 U/ml was suggested as a good response, but to be taken with a big pinch of salt, as other factors are important in our immune response too. I've had my antibodies measured twice first time 5.18, rising to 175 U/ml after my 3rd primary vaccination. So I'm still a wee bit cautious in what I do.
As Mmrr said, Professor Siebert from the OCTAVE study (investigating the response to vaccination of people who are immuno-suppressed) mentioned the figure of 400u/ml. There is now a second study underway, OCTAVE DUO, to investigate whether "low responders" are then able to mount a better antibody response after a third primary jab. They define "low responder" as anyone with an antibody level below 400. However, they also emphasize that this figure was only taken because 30% of people in the OCTAVE study has levels below this. They really don't know what level is required to protect people from serious illness and as others have said, antibodies are only one part of the bodies defences. Even in the "healthy" population, antibody levels vary enormously....
You have to make your own choice about how to respond to knowing your antibody level. My level was 211 after 2 jabs. I do most things I enjoy, but tend to limit the number of times i go to crowded indoor places. Had my booster yesterday, and am stopping my mtx for 2 weeks this time, so hoping to get a higher antibody level now.
I took the J&J April 12th of 2021, and had the Roache test first on Dec 18th 2021 and then just recently on 1 28 22 ad result increase form 513 to 554, have not been boosted with J&J.