Widespread Testing is Crucial

According to the White House Task Force and epidemiologists from federal and state laboratories, the Covid-19 pandemic can only be brought under control by significantly increasing testing to identify those with active infections as well as those who have been exposed to the virus but have experienced no symptoms and have unknowingly spread the virus. These are the individuals who are likely the key to controlling the spread of the virus.

Antibody Testing – Rapid Screening to Identify Currently Infected Patients

Anti-body testing is best used for rapid screening purposes. It is not meant to replace Molecular Testing (PCR) which will always have its place. Antibody testing functions best as a rapid screening test to identify currently infected patients for immediate quarantine and recovered or asymptomatic patients who may be unknowingly spreading the virus.

Antibody testing supports state governments as they attempt Phase one of economic re-entry by identifying active Covid-19 Disease as well as patients who are recovered or in the recovery phase to safely guide the country through Phase One of Economic re-entry.

Antibody testing can be very useful in identifying people who have been exposed to the virus but may not have experienced any symptoms. It is this universe of patients that contact trackers are trying to identify for two reasons: 1) they may have infected others without knowing they were contagious and, 2) now that they have the antibodies that indicate recovery, their plasma can possibly be used to treat very sick Covid-19 patients.

Tokimus Biotech’s Antibody based IgG / IgM testing provides information regarding Covid-19 status in each individual with a simple fingerstick blood sample.

Tracking the Course of a Covid-19 Infection and Recovery

Two antibodies IgM and IgG are of greatest interest to researchers, public health personnel and medical providers. IgM seen on the rising arm indicates exposure to the virus and an active disease. IgM usually begins to elevate 4-5 days post exposure.

IgG indicates that the infected person is recovered or recovering. The IgM antibodies, when present in an asymptomatic person, indicate that he or she has been exposed to the virus and could be contagious. These are the people that are being ‘contact-tracked’ by the’ Disease Detectives’ in an effort to control the spread of the virus.