This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
On May 7, 2020, Stanford hospitals in northern California took a significant step in understanding the spread of COVID-19 by providing antibody testing for all healthcare workers. This move aims to give workers the answer to whether they have coronavirus antibodies, which could help them in their work and provide valuable insights into the virus's behavior.
Heidi and Jamshid, two healthcare workers, were among those who underwent the antibody testing process. They were first swabbed to ensure they were not currently infected with the virus. The swab results showed they were negative, but the antibody test revealed a different story.
Heidi's results showed that she did not have the antibodies, which meant she could safely visit her mother without a mask. Jamshid's results were the same as Heidi's, and he was relieved that his personal protective equipment (PPE) had been effective in preventing him from contracting the virus.
Dr. Scott Boyd and his team developed the antibody test, which uses a blood sample to detect the presence of antibodies. The test is considered one of the best available, with a high degree of accuracy. However, it's essential to note that having antibodies does not necessarily mean someone is immune to the virus.
Researchers are now working on developing a neutralizing antibody test, which will provide a better understanding of who is actually immune to the virus. This test will help identify the antibodies that actually fight or neutralize the virus and determine how much of those antibodies are needed to block the virus and prevent re-infection.
