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Warning-sign checks

Antibody testing COVID-19: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek urgent or emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or other serious and rapidly worsening symptoms.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you have current COVID-19 symptoms and are at increased risk for severe illness.

    Do not wait for an antibody result.

    Use an appropriate viral test and ask about the time window for available treatment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may be appropriate if an antibody result was ordered as part of a medical evaluation.

    Ask the clinician which antibody was measured and what question the test was intended to answer.

    If the result was unexpected, the clinician can review infection history, vaccination history, medications, and timing.

    Routine medical review is appropriate for symptoms that continue after a suspected or confirmed infection, especially if they interfere with work, school, sleep, or usual activities.

    Antibody testing may or may not be useful, depending on the circumstances.

The article also says

Repeat antibody testing is usually not helpful when it is done only to watch the number rise or fall.

Changes between tests may reflect different laboratory methods rather than a meaningful change in protection.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Antibody testing COVID-19. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.