“A positive antibody test result is equivalent to a negative corona test result from PCR or antigen tests if the laboratory confirms the correlation with a neutralization test,” says Rüscher.
Antibodies can be detected after two to six weeks
Antibody tests do not look for the virus, but for defense substances (antibodies) that are circulating in the blood. Antibodies are only detectable about two to six weeks after the disease. As with neutralization tests, the detection of these antibodies gives an indication of immunity to Sars-Cov-2. Only findings from antibody tests on which the respective laboratory confirms that a test method with a corresponding correlation to the neutralization test was used to detect the antibodies are valid.
Test exemption for three months
The laboratory results indicate whether antibodies have been detected. “If this is the case, there is no test obligation for three months,” explains Regional Councilor Rüscher. The positive laboratory result serves as a confirmation of the exemption from testing access tests or occupational group tests or for body-friendly services. They do not apply in relation to the entry regulations.
Blood is drawn
For the analysis, blood is taken from the family doctor and then sent to a specialist medical laboratory. It can take around a week for the result to be available – depending on the number of patients / samples. The results are only available from the sending doctor, not in the laboratory.
Costs are not covered
Tests for the detection of antibodies do not fall under the provisions of the Epidemic Act, as there is neither a suspected case nor a case of illness. The costs are therefore not borne by the public purse and must be borne by the person to be tested.
Recovered and vaccinated people benefit from the possibility of antibody tests. At the moment, vaccinated people also need an antibody test in order to be exempt from the test, provided they have not had a Covid infection in the past six months. The antibody test can be carried out at the earliest two to three weeks after the second partial vaccination.
The safety distance must still be maintained
“A positive antibody test is used for personal information and largely releases you from the regular antigen tests, but not from compliance with the general corona protective measures,” states Councilor Rüscher: “Wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance are still mandatory, even with proof of immunity.”
Change in segregation
Anyone who has been classified as a confirmed case within the last six months or has already received the full vaccination and is subsequently identified as a contact with a person who tested positive for Corona is now considered a category 2 contact person.
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