Smart DNA, a Lagos-based genetic testing company today announced that it has launched an antibody test for COVID-19 that will tell you if you have any antibodies to help fight a Covid-19 viral infection, either from having been infected with coronavirus in the past or from being vaccinated.

According to the company, it decided to introduce the Antibody test into the Nigerian market to empower individuals and their physicians to make informed decisions about their risk of infection and of spreading the virus.

The tests will be processed at one of the UK’s leading laboratories, AlphaBiolabs. The Covid-19 antibody test will analyze a sample of patients’ blood to detect the presence of Covid-19 specific antibodies, including Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common type of antibody.

The report will provide a quantitative result that relates to the level of Covid-19 antibodies within your sample and whether the level is low, medium, high, or not detected.

Antibodies from Infection or Vaccine

Tracking your IgG levels will give you an indication of your level of immunity to a SARS CoV-2infection. This new and innovative laboratory antibody test is designed to give you peace of mind and unequalled assurance about the level of protection you have from either vaccination or natural exposure to the virus. It will potentially highlight those people who have poor immune response and therefore, need to take extra care.

Speaking on how the kit works, Bukola Ogunsanwo said, ‘‘If you order an antibody immunity test from Smart DNA, you will be sent an easy-to-use sample collection kit, to collect the blood spot sample in the comfort and privacy of your own home and return to our laboratory for analysis. You can also have the sample taken at our Lagos office.’’

Speaking at the launch, Bukola Ogunsanwo, Smart DNA’s Head of Business Development said “With the launch of our antibody test, we hope to provide individuals and healthcare providers with better insights on immunity to COVID-19, whether from the vaccine or a previous infection,”

“Of course, the detection of antibodies does not mean that you are immune to Covid-19 and does not mean that you cannot be infected. However, the presence of antibodies within a sample demonstrates that your body has staged an immune response to the virus (either as a result of a previous infection or Covid-19 vaccination). It means that you should have some protection against a serious infection and should be less infectious towards others” she explained further.

In other climes, particularly in Europe, countries have rolled out antibody testing for a wide range of purposes. Some have made antibody testing a part of their official framework for determining whether someone has had the virus recently and recovered — and can therefore get a coronavirus passport or certificate. In Austria, for instance, people can take official Covid antibody tests to determine if they are deemed “recovered,” and can get that country’s health pass as a result.

The antibody test kit is a game-changer in the fight against COVID-19 viral infection, and corporate Nigeria and individuals have been enjoined to embrace this innovation.