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Covid 19 antibody test for vaccinated on immunosuppressants.

(14 Posts)
shysal Wed 19-May-21 09:59:15

Because I am taking immunosuppressants for RA, I was anxious that the vaccine would not be effective for me. I therefore did a postal antibody blood test, the result of which has come back today. I am delighted to find that I have the highest possible positive reading, which gives me peace of mind. Worth every penny of the £50 paid to Lloyds Pharmacy online services (other services are available)! The sample was easy to take with a finger prick and the result was received on line 2 days after sending it back.
I just thought others in the same position might be interested. I had been resigned to having to be extra careful for ever more.

Ro60 Wed 19-May-21 10:07:54

That's good to know.
I'm thinking you've had your two vaccines? It's something I've wondered about too.

MissChateline Wed 19-May-21 10:11:08

I was curious about my antibodys last year as I thought that I may have had the virus. I asked the nurse at my health centre when having the pneumonia jab if I could take the antibody test. Done there and then for free. Results arrived next day.

shysal Wed 19-May-21 10:15:35

I thought it unlikely that my GP practice would pay after the nurse's negative response to my enquiry a while ago.

I have had both AZ vaccinations, the second on April 1st.

GrannyGravy13 Wed 19-May-21 10:40:26

Thank you for the information Shysal

Ro60 Wed 19-May-21 14:29:13

Thanks Shysal and MissC I've wondered the same myself but just curious, so doubt if I'd get a free one - bad enough trying to get a blood test here.? However I'm lucky enough to have had my second vaccine now - small mercies ?
Glad you've got antibodies ?

Missedout Wed 19-May-21 17:25:21

I paid £50 for a private Covid (spike) antibody test 3 weeks after my 2nd vaccination. The results came back showing I have no detectable antibodies for Covid.

I didn't expect to have developed any (I'm immunocompromised) but, before the test, I had hope. Now I know that I must continue to be careful. I'm trying not to mind.

Callistemon Wed 19-May-21 18:01:40

MissChateline

I was curious about my antibodys last year as I thought that I may have had the virus. I asked the nurse at my health centre when having the pneumonia jab if I could take the antibody test. Done there and then for free. Results arrived next day.

I asked last year as I wondered if I'd had the virus early in 2020 but our surgery declined, said they dudnt do them.

Thanks shysal, I will think about that as it could give peace of mind.

Marydoll Wed 19-May-21 20:15:16

Shysal, thanks for the information. As someone who is also immunosupressed, I too have wondered, after reading that the medication I am on, may make the vaccine less effective. I will continue to be careful regardless.

shysal Thu 20-May-21 10:42:48

Missedout, so sorry that you had a negative test. However, at least you know that you have to be very careful. I expected to be in the same position myself so was amazed to have antibodies. However, I shall continue to be extra careful for the foreseeable future. I think a lot of us will continue to distance and wear masks when restrictions end.
Good luck Marydoll if you do have a test. I would have thought, with all your medical problems, that the NHS would pay for yours.

Marydoll Thu 20-May-21 14:25:34

Thanks, Shysal. I have an RA appt soon soon and will seek my consultant's advice

mama1 Thu 20-May-21 14:51:21

Thanks Shysal I had intended to do one of these tests as I too am immunosuppressed but it had slipped my mind. Going to order one now!
Missedout sorry that you don't have the peace of mind that you hoped for when having the vaccines.

Babs758 Thu 20-May-21 15:55:53

I've just done a finger-prick test (free) as part of a study for Imperial College. The test gives results within 15 minutes. Sadly, despite having had two vaccines the result was negative for antibodies. I am very disappointed. Having said that, the article I read in the BMJ said that none of the Covid-19 fingerprick tests were suitable for home use as the accuracy was only around 75-80%. So don't know what to think now!

shysal Fri 21-May-21 08:00:49

My test was done from a finger prick but a few ml of blood had to be collected into a tube containing a layer of probable anticoagulant. The sample is then tested in a laboratory. They do not claim to be 100% accurate and false positive and negative results are possible. The test is called Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2S