What is the anti-SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) serological test?
This is a medical test used to detect the presence in the blood of antibodies produced by the immune system following an infection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). These antibodies belong to various families, including IgA, IgM and IgG immunoglobulins.
What is the purpose of this test?
The antibodies detected by BioneXt Lab attack several of the virus’s proteins, including those allowing the penetration and infection of human cells (spicule and nucleocapsid proteins) [1]. According to current knowledge, these antibodies neutralise the virus and play a protective role in people producing them, at least in the short term [2,3,4,5,6].
To summarise (and although likely to evolve), this medical test has several advantages:
• To diagnose [7]:
o An acute infection among symptomatic patients, complementing the PCR test
o A previous infection among patients not benefiting from a PCR test at the time symptoms appeared or where the PCR test result was negative
• To know one’s immune status vis-à-vis the virus, especially as asymptomatic infections are frequent.
Please note: in the case of an isolated prescription, this test does not allow a person’s contagiousness to be assessed (in the absence of a prior infection proved by the PCR test).
To I need a doctor’s prescription to have this test done?
This is no trivial medical test. The results can show an active infection. As a result, a prescription is recommended. This way, the medical follow-up and the clinical interpretation of the results can be ensured in the best possible way.
Is the test reimbursed by the CNS?
This test is currently not on the list of reimbursable medical biology tests [8].
It is therefore not paid for by the CNS.
The fee for the test is €36.
Is the test reliable?
Test performance is excellent, complying with the specifications on assessing the performance of serological tests for detecting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 published by the Haute Autorité de Santé on 16 April 2020 [9].
Diagnostic sensitivity*: 100%
Diagnostic specificity: > 99.8%
*at least 14 days after the onset of the infection
Do I have to have an empty stomach?
As in all serological tests, you do not need to have an empty stomach for the test to be carried out.
How long does it take for the results to become known?
The results, which you can check online via the myLAB platform, are generally available on the day the sample is taken and at the latest on the day after.
→ myLAB
