In Russia, new tests have appeared that make it possible to determine the amount of antibodies to coronavirus with greater accuracy and in a short time.
Member of the European Association of Anti-Aging Medicine Rusiam, Russian Association of Anti-Aging Medicine Physicians PreventAge. Vice President for Medicine at GRAND-Cryo, a manufacturer of cryocapsules and equipment for underwater massage in living water.
Most of the reagents of the first systems were aimed at detecting a wide range of antibodies to various coronavirus proteins. At the same time, their sensitivity might not be enough if the immune defense was poorly expressed. New tests can measure the amount of antibodies even at very low levels in blood samples.
Immunoassay (ELISA) – laboratory examination of venous blood. A new set of reagents for it was developed by the Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare and has already been approved for circulation in Russia. It detects antibodies of the IgG class to the N-protein SARS-CoV-2. A set of reagents allows you to evaluate how protection is formed after a previous illness (even without severe symptoms) or vaccination, and make a decision on additional vaccination.
Immunochromatographic analysis (ICA) works on the same principle as a glucometer: a drop of blood is taken from a finger for examination. The result can be found within 15 minutes. The first rapid test in Russia to detect immunity to COVID-19 was developed at Skolkovo. The system detects IgG antibodies to the S-protein of the coronavirus. The result allows you to determine whether a re-vaccination is needed and whether it is worth additionally vaccinating with a one-component version of the drug after a previous illness. Reagents work with all vaccines registered in our country. It is assumed that you can use the test yourself at home.
A universal skin test to assess coronavirus immunity is currently undergoing clinical trials. If all goes well, it will be available in the fall. The study will help detect the infection at an early stage. By the way, its plus is that it does not imply a blood sampling from a vein, therefore it is suitable even for children (and adults who are afraid of injections).