Taking a Covid antibody test. Stopping supplements

[Mickeydooley]

I currently take many supplements including Vit b complex and quercetin. I’m aware that for a thyroid test you have to stop taking biotin one week prior to test so I assume the same thing applies to a Covid antibody test? TIA

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Mickeydooley

The advice to stop biotin or any supplement containing biotin is for any blood test, not just thyroid. For the amount contained in a B Complex it's quite possible that leaving it off for 3 days may be sufficient.

[Mickeydooley in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for the advice

[helvella Administrator]

I recently did a Covid antibody test (invited by the Zoe research project) - there was no advice whatsoever about biotin.

(As I don't take any biotin, I'd not have needed to stop taking it!)

[Mickeydooley in reply to helvella]

Thanks. I’m doing the same and there was no mention of biotin but as far as I know there are no instructions on the thyroid tests either. Or at least I’ve not seen them.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Mickeydooley]

The private testing companies do mention to stop biotin. This is what Medichecks say for thyroid and iron panel tests (not sure about other tests as I've not ordered any others):

Do not take biotin supplements for 2 days prior to this test. If you are taking prescribed biotin you should discuss this with your doctor.

When some members have posted a picture of the print out of their NHS results, we do sometimes see mention that if biotin is taken this can interfere with results but it's not always there. The print out from my surgery doesn't mention it at all.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Mickeydooley]

I have just emailed them to ask. And suggested they state it is/is not affected by biotin as an extra and specific statement.

[nellie237 in reply to helvella]

Hi Helvella,

I'm just curious. did you get the results for the antibody test?

I'd like to be tested, but can't justify the expense. I've seen quite a few posts where people have been thinking about getting tested, but not any results, so, I'm guessing I'm not the only one that can't justify it.

[helvella Administrator in reply to nellie237]

Yes - I did. As they warned, they took weeks to come through.

I have had two Astra-Zeneca vaccinations and do not believe I have had Covid.

What we did

The immune system forms antibodies to help fight off infections. In this study, we tested blood samples provided by you and other participants for the presence of two types of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, called Anti-N and Anti-S. These types of antibodies, and your results, are explained below.

Anti-N tests detect the presence of antibodies targeted against the nucleocapsid (N) protein of the virus. Anti-N antibodies are not produced in response to any of the current COVID-19 vaccines on the market. They are seen in most people who have recovered from COVID-19 but do drop over time. They are also found with some other coronaviruses, so are not completely specific for COVID-19.

Anti-S tests detect the presence of antibodies targeted against the spike (S) protein of the virus. Anti-S antibodies might be found either in people who have received one of the current COVID-19 vaccines and/or in people who have recovered from COVID-19. These antibodies are specific to COVID-19 and its vaccines and are not seen after other infections or vaccinations.

Your Anti-N Result

You do not have detectable levels of Anti-N antibodies.

Your Anti-S Result

You have detectable levels of Anti-S antibodies.

The relevance of your results

According to the information you have provided through the ZOE Covid Symptom Study app, your sample was collected after you received a COVID-19 vaccination (either one or two doses).

Your results suggest that when your sample was collected you may have previously had SARS-CoV-2 infection (whether symptomatic or not) or that you have antibodies as a result of a COVID-19 vaccination.

I'd find it impossible to justify for myself. The results are exactly as I would have predicted and there is nothing I can think of which depends on knowing them. At least, not for me.

[nellie237 in reply to helvella]

Thank you.😊

[Hidden]

I haven't stopped any supplements for doing the Covid antibody tests I'm doing as part of a research study. I have to "drip" blood to fill a small tube. I've been shown to have antibodies but not how many. I'm pleased as I'm on immunosuppressant drugs.

[Angel_of_the_North]

I did an antibody test and the blurb didn't mention anything. I stopped biotin anyway a week before. Test was negative (expected as I've never even had flu) - just a finger prick test

[Mickeydooley in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

I’m the same. Have never had flu and I’m 62! I don’t expect it to be positive either.

[helvella Administrator]

I have just a few minutes ago received a response from CSS Biobank (Zoe) re biotin and antibody tests:

Dear <helvella>,

Thanks for your enquiry and apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I raised this question with our laboratory and clinical investigators.

They are not aware of any evidence that biotin does or does not affect the assay used for this research antibody test, and do not think it is likely based on what the assay detects.

It is an interesting question and if we learn more, we will update our information sheets.

SeasideSusie Hidden

[Mickeydooley in reply to helvella]

Thanks for following this up and for letting me know.