Stating that antibody tests were started on June 15 to perform screening and detect community immunity, Medical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aynur Eren Topkaya said, “There are multiple test methods that detect antibodies against the SARS and CoV-2 virus, which are the causative agents of Covid-19 disease.” Yeditepe University Hospitals  Medical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aynur Eren Topkaya said, “Antibody tests have started to be carried out as of June 15 in order to perform screening and detect community immunity in our country. Currently, multiple test methods detect antibodies against the SARS and CoV-2 virus, which are the causative agents of Covid-19 disease”, explaining that the protein-structured substances produced by the cells of the immune system against foreign substances entering the body are called antibodies. 

“Quick Tests Have Low Sensitivity”

Giving information about the tests, Prof. Dr. Topkaya made the following statements: “Tests were known as quick test or card test work with the immunochromatographic method. This test can be used on a drop of blood taken from a fingertip or a vein. Fast results are one of the advantages of these tests. However, their sensitivity is low. The sensitivity of the tests used with ELISA or chemiluminescence methods is higher. However, these tests take longer to result.”

"There is a Difference in Method and Sensitivity"

Prof. Dr. Topkaya said, “Today, there are many tests that are licensed for use in Turkey. There is a difference in method and sensitivity between these tests. Medical microbiologists must evaluate the test results together with the patient's doctor in the clinic. It is important to interpret the patient's clinic, history, computed tomography if performed, and other laboratory results.”

PCR Reveals the Stage of the Disease

Stating that the positive antibody test means that the person has encountered the virus, Prof. Dr. Topkaya said, “Antibody tests become positive after a certain period after encountering the virus. Since these tests are more practical to apply compared to molecular tests, they may also be more useful in monitoring the pandemic. Molecular tests (PCR) give an idea about the stage of the disease.”

Tests Should Not Be Done Randomly

Pointing out that antibody tests should not be done randomly everywhere, Prof. Dr. Aynur Eren Topkaya made the following statements: “Biosecurity is very important. The authority to perform these tests has been given to institutions that diagnose and treat Covid-19 disease by the Ministry of Health.”

How to Read PCR Results?

Prof. Dr. Topkaya said, “If the antibody test result is negative, it can be said that the person has not yet encountered the virus or is in the incubation period or is in the asymptomatic period. If both the antibody test result and the molecular test (PCR) are positive, it can be said that the person has an active infection. If the antibody test result is positive and the molecular test (PCR) is negative, it can be said that the person has undergone the disease and has gained immunity. If the antibody test result is negative and the molecular test (PCR) is positive, it can be said that the person is in the incubation period.”