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But that test might not give us the kind of information were so desperate for.
Wladimir Bulgar/Science Photo Library/Getty Images
Are these antibody tests (also called serologic tests) actually FDA approved?
Who should and shouldnt get one?
How accurate are these tests, really?
And does having access to antibody tests make it easier for things to go back to normal?
Unfortunately, there are very few certainties when it comes to antibodies, immunity, and the tests themselves.
What do antibodies actually do?
Also, the way those antibodies provide protection differs.
Or they might trigger other immune system responses that help the body eliminate the pathogen.
But, unfortunately, they dont always provide the long-lasting immunity were hoping for.
The state of coronavirus antibody tests in the U.S. is a little messy.
But there are considerable flaws even with the FDA-authorized tests to keep in mind.
What can and cant COVID-19 antibody tests tell you?
They can probably tell you whether or not youve had the new coronavirus.
They wont necessarily tell you whether youre over your infection.
They cant tell you whether youre immune to ever getting it again.
We dont know yet that having antibody to SARS-CoV-2 protects you, she says, andthe CDC agrees.
Some studies suggest it might last for justa yearortwo.
As always, the best place to get specific recommendations for your unique case is your own doctor.
They cant tell you anything about your personal level of risk for reinfection.
Thats partly because the actual potential for immunity isnt conclusive yet.
Overall, about 30% of people in the study developed very low levels of antibodies.
What any of this actually means for our immunity remains to be seen.
They cant tell you whether or not youre still contagious.
They can give us a better idea of how widespread the outbreak was and is.
They cant tell us whether or not its time to reopen a city.
Early on, politicians placed a lot of importance on gettingearly access to antibody tests.
Now the strategy has evolved.
So should you run out to get an antibody test?
For those answers, well have to keep waiting.
We have to acknowledge what we dont know because were learning new things every day.
