As leading experts in self-testing, BioSure develop and manufacture self-tests and professional use tests, as well as unique and new testing ideas to provide testing solutions that support the needs of the general public, especially in the everchanging COVID-19 landscape.
With the progession of COVID-19 and advancements in the vaccination roll out programme, we believe antibody testing will be the most bespoke testing method sought out by individuals and those within healthcare. We have handpicked the AbC-19™ Rapid Antibody Test and wanted to share its unique properties and why it should be the test of choice.
What is the AbC-19 Neutralising Antibody Test and why it is important?
The AbC-19™ Rapid Test targets the spike protein and is able to confirm the presence of IgG antibodies to the full spike of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test therefore has the potential to help identify the immune system’s response to the current three MHRA approved vaccines – Oxford University/AstraZeneca, Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna or following previous SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection.
The AbC-19 test can offer accurate and reliable results in just 20 minutes and provides users with the possibility to make informed choices on-the-spot, which is imperative for mass test screening and also can help those individuals to get back to work, travel, visiting family and friends etc. safely.
Here’s some science around the SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19).
What do we know about the Coronavirus structure?
Coronaviruses get their name from their distinctive crown-like-shape, which originates from the spike protein covering the virus membrane. The spike and the nucleocapsid protein enclosing the virus itself, provide its unique fingerprints.
The spike and the nucleocapsid proteins both trigger the immune system into action and studies have found that the bodys’ response the spike protein is stronger. Essentially, research into testing and vaccinations for SARS-CoV-2 have therefore focused on this spike protein.
The immune system and antibodies?
Our immune systems produce a variety of different antibodies, all of which have different functions and roles depending on the specific virus or foreign body. We are particularly interested in the IgG antibody, which is key to understanding COVID-19 infection, long-term immunity and generally how antibodies fight off the infection. IgG antibodies typically appear in the blood around 10-14 days after initial infection and remain in the body for several months. However, the time from infection and antibody production differs from person to person, so when testing to understand whether you have antibodies, it is advisable to wait until after the window period for a reliable and conclusive result.
The presence of IgG antibodies in the blood is evidence of past COVID-19 infection, or vaccination and therefore could be predictive of immunity. The only way to know if you have previously had COVID-19 infection is to test.
What is an IgG neutralising antibody and why is it important?
The IgG Neutralising Antibody is an antibody that is responsible for defending cells from a virus or organisms that can cause disease. They are naturally produced as part of the body’s immune response and they are produced by both live infections and vaccinations against infections. Neutralising antibodies can result in long-term immunity, but no-one knows how long immunity will last. So, the only way to know is to test.
Vaccine developers target the spike, and so do we!
Vaccines “train” the immune system to recognise and destroy harmless viruses before an individual even comes into contact with the virus. Inactive parts of the particular virus are given as a vaccination to trick the body into making antibodies specific to that virus. So, when the person later comes into contact with the virus their body is prepared to fight off the infection. In the case of the COVID-19 vaccine, the developers have focused on simulating the spike protein. And therefore, the AbC-19 rapid test can detect the neutralising antibodies post vaccination.
What is the role of the AbC-19 Antibody testing and Vaccines?
The AbC-19 Neutralising Antibody Rapid Test will be an essential part of healthcare testing armoury as it has the potential to inform vaccination programmes and health policy showing the success and longevity of antibodies detected from the vaccine or a previous infection (regular testing can also identify how infection spreads through communities by detecting those who have had previous COVID-19 infection), also where and why immunity to the virus might be developing.
There is continued discussion surrounding COVID-19 passports with one of the requirements being a positive antibody test result confirmation, which will grant access to attend large events such as spectator sports, festivals or the theatre, international travel, or indeed visiting vulnerable family members. The AbC-19 test may provide a quick and easy solution to reunite us again.