The body has built-in defenses against disease. The immune system kicks in when it detects the presence of a foreign invader such as bacteria and viruses. It creates antibodies that are suited to fight off the infection which remain in the body even after the pathogens are gone. An antibody rapid test kit can help determine if a person has been infected, although it cannot say for certain if the infecting agent such as a virus is still present in the system. Many countries are using this type of medical technology for COVID testing to achieve the following benefits:
Reduced Anxiety
For the patients, antibody rapid test kit are often cheaper and more accessible than RT-PCR tests. It gives them a chance to know for certain whether they got infected or not. Results are usually available after several minutes so they won’t have to deal with anxiety for much longer. If they turn out to be negative, then they can go home with relief. If they turn out to be negative, then they can seek out further testing to confirm the results and move on from there. They can begin to take control of their situation.
Improved Decision-making
For the doctors treating these patients, knowing their status helps them to make the right diagnosis for those who are presenting symptoms. After all, they might be observing several common symptoms that can actually indicate another respiratory issue. They can recommend a suitable treatment plan to address the root cause based on severity.
Greater Understanding
Some researchers are using the antibody test to learn about the actual number of infected individuals in a population. With widespread testing, they can begin to get a better understanding of the mechanics and prevalence of the disease. They might be able to discern why certain people get severe infections while others do not manifest any symptoms. They might be able to plan for new waves and new variants to minimize the impact, reducing the need for harsh measures and protecting the most vulnerable.
Plasma Therapy
These kits can also be helpful in checking whether individuals might be able to participate in projects that aim to treat COVID patients. For example, convalescent plasma therapy makes use of the antibodies found in the blood of patients who have recovered from the viral infection. Studies are underway to measure the efficacy of this treatment, particularly for the most severely affected patients.
