CNN (5/26, Fox) reports that “antibody tests used to determine if people have been infected in the past with COVID-19  might be wrong up to half the time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in new guidance posted on its website.”

CNN adds, “Health officials or health care providers who are using antibody tests need to use the most accurate test they can find and might need to test people twice, the CDC said in the new guidance.”

Blogfinger commentary:   The Central Jersey Urgent Care aat the Asbury Circle.  (731 Highway 35, Ocean ) is now offering COVID-19 testing without a prescription.   Just call them at 732 455 8444.

I interviewed Vikram Varma, MD, the Medical Director there.  If you are sick, they probably will do the virus ID test which involves a swab in your nose, but if you are interested in your immunity, they will do an antibody (serologic) blood test.

“There’s little evidence now about whether having been infected gives people immunity to later infection, but doctors worry that people will behave as if they are immune if they get a positive antibody test.”   

The CDC says that there are too many errors in the immune testing, and even if one has antibodies, we don’t know if they are protective..

Click on the CNN link above for a very good discussion of the latest information on this topic.

CDC also says:

“Antibodies most commonly become detectable 1-3 weeks after symptom onset, at which time evidence suggests that infectiousness likely is greatly decreased and that some degree of immunity from future infection has developed.

“However, additional data are needed before modifying public health recommendations based on serologic test results, including decisions on discontinuing physical distancing and using personal protective equipment.”

May 27 report from Governor:     “Murphy urged all New Jerseyans, especially anyone who suspects they might have come in contact with a COVID-infected person, to get tested.”  (NJ Spotlight News)

Paul Goldfinger, MD.  Blogfinger.net.  Ocean Grove, NJ.  May 27, 2020.