News
Information on COVID-19 antibody testing
At Midtown Clinic, we are conducting antibody tests for the new coronavirus infection.
Starting June 2021, 6, we have introduced a new antibody test to "examine the effects of antibodies after vaccination."
What is an antibody test?
This is a test to check whether you have antibodies against the new coronavirus infection.
Our hospital offers three types of tests: an antibody test to check for past infection, a neutralizing antibody test to check the effectiveness of antibodies after vaccination, and a set of these two tests.
For information on inspection costs, click here.
- *This does not diagnose whether you are currently infected with the new coronavirus.
- *Antibody tests cannot be used to confirm a coronavirus infection.
- *The period during which antibodies become positive may be short.
[Differences between the two types of antibody tests]
■About virus structure
In the diagram below, the spike protein (S) on the outermost side is involved in infecting cells. In addition, it is composed of proteins such as the envelope protein (E), membrane protein (M), and nucleocapsid protein (N), as well as RNA.
Source: NIID National Institute of Infectious Diseases What is coronavirus?
https://www.niid.go.jp/niid/ja/kansennohanashi/9303-coronavirus.html
■About vaccines
The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) uses a spike protein to attach to cells, and most new vaccines work by producing antibodies against this spike protein, neutralizing its function.
■About antibodies and antibody testing
- Antibody tests to date
Previous antibody tests have used the nucleocapsid protein (N) of the virus as an antigen. They are used to determine whether a person has been infected with the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), but are not suitable for determining whether a person has acquired antibodies after vaccination.
・Newly introduced antibody test
The newly introduced antibody test is a neutralizing antibody test.
Neutralizing antibodies are antibodies that bind to the virus and block (neutralize) its ability to infect cells. Antibodies against the spike protein (S) are one such antibody.
Measuring neutralizing antibodies can measure whether the vaccine has worked and how well you are protected against the virus.
■ Summary
Until now, antibody tests have been used to check for a history of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
The new neutralizing antibody test will examine the effectiveness of the vaccine and its ability to prevent infection.
Conversely, people who have had COVID-19 will test positive for both antibody and neutralizing antibody tests. However, the antibody titer will decrease over time.
For those who have not had a history of infection and have been vaccinated, neutralizing antibodies alone will increase after two weeks. After two doses of the vaccine, neutralizing antibodies will increase significantly.
For those with a history of infection, it has been reported that a single vaccination is enough to increase neutralizing antibodies. Please consider getting an antibody test as soon as possible.
◆ Test subject
Unlike PCR and antigen tests, antibody tests do not diagnose whether you are currently infected, so they are only available to people who have no symptoms.
◆Inspection costs
■ For those who want to check whether they have had a past infection
Antibody testing
・Outpatient consultation fee: 4,400 yen (tax included)
・Health checkup option price: 3,300 yen (tax included)
■ For those who want to research the "effect of vaccine-induced antibodies"
Neutralizing antibody test
・Outpatient consultation fee: 5,500 yen (tax included)
・Health checkup option price: 4,400 yen (tax included)
■ For those who want to check "past infection status" and "antibody effects from vaccines"
Antibody testing set of 2
・Outpatient consultation fee: 7,700 yen (tax included)
・Health checkup option price: 6,600 yen (tax included)
◆About the inspection
The blood sample will be tested.
*There are no dietary restrictions on the day.
◆How to receive your test results
About one week later, the test result report will be mailed to your specified address.
◆ Reservation method
■ "For those receiving Outpatient Care"
Reservations can be made online.
- >>Click here for online reservations
*Please make a reservation by clicking "Make a Reservation" on the online reservation page.
■ "For those undergoing a medical checkup or health check"
Please inform our staff on the day.
*The content of this page is current as of July 2021, 7.