WASHINGTON, May 26 (Xinhua). Serological test results should not be used to make decisions about returning people to work. This is in line with the new COVID-19 antibody test guidelines published on the website of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, the antibody test can play an important role in understanding the epidemiology of the virus in the general population and in identifying groups with a higher risk of infection.
Contrary to viral direct detection methods, which can be used to detect acutely infected persons, antibody tests help to determine whether the test person has ever been infected, even if this person never showed any symptoms.
“Antibodies in some people can be detected within the first week after the onset of the disease,” said the CDC.
The presence of antibodies can reduce a person’s infectivity and provide some protection against re-infection. However, final data are lacking and it remains uncertain whether individuals with antibodies are protected against re-infection with SARS-CoV-2. According to CDC, the virus causes COVID-19.
“Serological test results should not be used to make decisions about the grouping of people living in or being included in facilities such as schools, dormitories, or prisons,” said the CDC.
“Serological test results should not be used to make decisions about returning people to work,” said the CDC.
According to the CDC, it cannot be assumed that people with really positive antibody test results are protected against future infections. End item
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