Antibodies are a type of protein that helps the immune system identify and destroy foreign substances. They mean a lot in several different types of testing, from blood tests to pregnancy tests. In Otsego, Minnesota, some centers offer lab tests to confirm or rule out certain health conditions. Target the best Otsego lab test centers. However, some myths and misconceptions revolve around antibody testing. Here are some of them which need debunking.
A Positive Test Means That you Have an Illness or Disease
Antibodies are just markers for the presence of certain substances, so they don’t automatically mean that someone has an illness or disease. A person could have antibodies present without being ill because their body produced them as a protective measure against something they were exposed to earlier on in life. Likewise, there may be no antibodies present even if the person does have an illness.
Antibody Tests are Always Accurate
As much as we rely on test accuracy, this is not always the case. Sometimes antibody tests can produce inaccurate results, for example, if you have recently been vaccinated or taking medication that interferes with the test results.
Antibody Levels Don’t Change Throughout a Person’s Life
Antibodies can be detectable long after someone has exposure to something. They may even increase over time, so antibody tests will need to be repeated from time to time to monitor their levels of antibodies.
A Negative Test Means That You Don’t Have the Illness
Again, this is not always true. A negative test could mean that the person being tested doesn’t have enough antibodies to produce a positive result. It is especially likely if you have an exposure to the illness or disease lately.
You Can’t Get a False Positive from an Antibody Test
It is possible to get a false-positive result from an antibody test. If someone has been vaccinated, their body will produce antibodies, so the test results could turn out positive even if they don’t have the illness or disease under the test.
You Can’t Have a Negative Antibody Test if You Have an Illness
It is not always true. Some diseases, such as HIV, can produce negative antibody tests. The virus itself may not cause antibodies to be built, or the person’s immune system may be too weak to generate them.
You Can Only Get a Positive Antibody Test if You Have Had the Illness
In some cases, you may have exposure to an infection that can produce antibodies even though they have not developed symptoms of the disease. It is known as a false-positive result.
You Need a New Antibody Test if You Already Have a Positive one False
If you have a positive antibody test, it means that the body has produced antibodies to fight against something – usually, this is an infection. Once the body has started making these antibodies, it will continue doing so even if another test takes place after some time. The blood will contain the same amount of antibodies whether or not a second test happens.
Antibody testing is one of the most common medical procedures in use today, and it’s essential to understand what antibodies are before they’re administered. However, some myths need debunking concerning antibody testing. It helps you make more informed decisions about your healthcare.
