The Barbados reference laboratory can now offer a quantitative detection analysis of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) Spike glycoprotein antibodies. This test is useful for the identification of individuals who have an adaptive immune response to the SARS-COV-2 SPIKE glycoprotein by way of exposure or through vaccination.

SARS-COV-2 is an RNA virus from the family Coronaviridae, genus Betacoronavirus. All corona viruses are structurally similar using their spike proteins to enter host’s cells.  Spike proteins are located on the outside of the coronavirus and this is how SARS-COV-2 enters host’s cells. Its location on the outside of the virus makes it the prime structural protein to be recognized by the host’s immune system. The spike protein is unique to SARS-COV-2.

This assay provides a quantitative result for the presence of antibodies to the receptor binding domain on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SAR-COV-2) spike glycoprotein. Both vaccinated and active infections can stimulate antibodies against this domain.

Negative result should be interpreted as no antibodies to SARS-COV-2 spike glycoprotein were detected. Please note that negative results may occur if samples are collected to early, that being within 2 weeks of symptoms onset or in immunosuppressed individuals.

Positive results suggest recent or prior SARS-COV-2 infection or vaccination. No minimal antibody level or threshold has been established to indicate long term protective immunity against infection or Re-infection. False positive results for IgG antibodies may occur due to cross reactivity from pre-existing antibodies or other known causes associated with this assay.

This test is not designed for the diagnosis of SARS-COV-2. The gold standard for diagnosis according the World Health Organization and The Center for Disease Control (CDC) remains the use of a molecular method for the detection of SAR-COV-2.

Recent findings have shown that antibodies against the SARS-COV-2 are detected in over 90% of patients by two weeks after symptoms onset or vaccination.

SAMPLE REQUIRED:

Preferred: SERUM GEL TOP

Acceptable: RED TOP, EDTA OR LITHIUM HEPARIN.

Where possible please include vaccination status, date of last vaccination and past exposure if known in the clinical details of the requisition form.