Covid 19 antibody test | Dr Gabi Clinic | Private GP Consultations

COVID 19 TESTING

Molecular testing (PCR Swab) will identify people with the Covid 19 virus. Antibody testing aims to identify if a person has been previously infected by picking up the presence of IgG (immunoglobulin G) in the blood . Most patients who recover from coronavirus have been found to produce antibodies, but it is not yet known if an individual with a positive result showing presence of IgG levels following being infected with SARS-CoV-2 will be protected, either fully or partially from future infection, or for how long protective immunity may last.

It is extremely important to consider testing carefully, with a clear medical history, and to ensure that testing is done when enough time has elapsed after symptoms to maximise the chances of developing adequate IgG levels. We recommend testing 14 days after symptoms have cleared.

We are pleased to offer both the 2 different available methods of testing for antibodies against Covid-19:

Venous blood sampling within a doctor consultation. Results received with 48-72 hours
Rapid finger-prick test, providing results during your consultation within 10 minutes.

Results should be used in conjunction with information available from clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures. It has been recognised that there can be delayed responses in immunocompromised patients.

We also offer Covid 19 PCR swab testing which can be posted or collected from a central London pharmacy.

COVID 19 ANTIBODY TEST (£89)

Please email info@drgabiclinic.co.uk to book this test

A 10 minute doctor telephone consultation accompanies the ordering of this Public Health England approved test produced by Abbott.

Type of test: ELISA test for IgG
Accuracy: >99% specificity and 97.5% sensitivity
CE Marked: Yes
Postage and packaging: Free
Sample type: Venous blood sample
Time for results: 48-72 hours
Public Health Approved: Yes
Location: Clinic or workplace
Cost: £89 for individuals, 15% discount for NHS/Key workers. Corporate and workplace outreach packages available at a discounted rate.
Medical consultation included: Yes
Online certificate included: Yes

COVID 19 INSTANT TESTING (£89)

A 10 minute face to face consultation accompanies the ordering of this test. Currently corporate and workplace outreach packages are available, please email info@drgabiclinic.co.uk for further information or call 0333 335 5031 for further information. This test will be offered at our Notting Hill clinic location when it reopens.

COVID 19 PCR SELF SWAB ASSYMPTOMATIC (£130)

Complete your online questionnaire in order to collect or arrange postal delivery of your swab. Next day delivery is offered if booked by 12pm Monday - Friday, or collect from our central London Pharmacy Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm. This can be booked online. Swabs can be posted using the pre-paid addressed or dropped off to our central London lab. Results back within 48 working day hours from when it is received by the lab.

COVID 19 PCR SELF SWAB SYMPTOMATIC (£150)

This test must be accompanied by a doctor consultation. Please call our booking line to book this test. Next day delivery is offered if booked by 12pm Monday - Friday. Swabs can be posted to the lab using the pre-paid addressed envelope in the pack.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID 19 ANTIBODY TESTING

PCR swab tests remain the current gold standard test for active Covid-19 infection. Antibody testing does not replace this. Rather, it aims to indicate who may have had, and recovered from Covid-19 infection.

Which antibodies does your test look for?

Our Abbott lab test provides information on IgG antibodies. The sample is obtained via finger-prick or blood test, but an adequate sample must be obtained. Clear instructions are provided, and a video clip is available to help aid collection - see https://vimeo.com/user101762147

Our finger-prick test looks for both IgG and IgM antibodies. IgG antibodies can help us to learn who has had past infection and this will be the focus of your test. IgM antibodies are an early marker, and could indicate active infection however, PCR swab testing remains the gold standard for diagnostic purposes.

How accurate is your test?

The Abbott self test postal kit has a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of >99%. It has been approved for use by Public Health England.

The sensitivity and specificity of the rapid point of care test for combined IgG and IgM is 88.66% and 90.63%, respectively.

Both our tests are CE certified.

Who is this test aimed at?

The test is for those who would like to understand whether they have had Covid-19 infection. It is important to note that those who had little or no symptoms may not be suitable for this test. The test is also not suitable in people who have current or ongoing symptoms regardless of duration.

Do you test children?

When should I do the test?

We recommend testing 14 days AFTER symptoms have cleared.

How quickly do I get the results?

The postal test result will arrive within 48-72 hours.

The point of care test achieves a result within 10-15mins. Our doctor provides you with an explanation and documentation of your result.

What do the results mean?

The possible outcomes will be

A negative IgG antibody test – suggesting that you have not had previous infection or if you did, you have not mounted a significant immune response.
A positive IgG antibody result – which signifies past infection. It is important not to assume immunity to re-infection at this stage as we are awaiting more robust data on this. However, there is good existing evidence from other coronaviruses that individuals did develop at least temporary immunity.

How much does the test cost?

The test costs £89 including consultation with our doctor. NHS and Key workers are offered a 15% discount.

Corporate packages are available.

How can the test help me and my staff with returning to work?

We advise that you follow the government’s guidelines and policies on staff return to work. The test can simply help you understand who has had past infection.