COVID-19 PCR Test
COVID-19 PCR Test (Real Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) to detect if individuals are infected with COVID-19. This is a highly complex and specific test that measures the level of infection during the acute phase.
COVID-19 Antibody Test
This test measures the response of the immune system to exposure to the virus − be it by infection or after vaccination. We advise to perform this test 3 weeks after the last vaccination booster shot to get information about the level of immunity achieved. A positive result means that the person has built-up antibodies against COVID-19, it does not mean that the person is infected.
It is to be expected that the immune system is ‘ready’ to fight when challenged, thereby strongly reducing the chance of severe infection. It however also does not mean that preventive measures can be dropped. The vaccinated person can still be an asymptomatic carrier and therefore be a risk for others.
Bamlanivimab
(Monoclonal Antibody)
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with mild COVID-19, you may qualify for a new treatment option: Bamlanivimab (bam-la-NIV-i-mab). This drug will prevent you from having severe COVID-19. The research so far shows that for certain people, taking this drug may help limit the amount of virus in the body.
This may help their symptoms improve sooner – and they may be less likely to get severe infection, and the need for oxygenation or ventilation. Bamlanivimab has been authorized for emergency use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to treat mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in non-hospitalized adults with COVID-19 positive result, and who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms or the need for hospitalization. Particularly if you are over 65 years, you have diabetes, high BP or heart issues, this is the treatment for you.
