Covid or Vaccination. How Immune are You to Getting Covid Again?
Quantitative Testing for Covid-19 S1-RBD Neutralizing Antibodies
Now available at RMC
This test detects and quantifies the amount of Spike 1 Protein-Receptor Binding Domain (S1-RBD) neutralizing antibodies available to fight Covid whether the antibodies are induced by natural immunity or by vaccination.
People ask all the time, “Which is better, your own immunity, getting the vaccination, or both?” Now there is a test that can tell you the answer to at least part of your immune system’s function against Covid.
The Quantitative Covid S1-RBD Antibody Test can be used and followed to determine your own Covid-19 immune status after having Covid, the vaccine, or both.*** Quantitative reporting is in the form of numbers, not just positive or negative. If you want to know how strong your antibodies are at protecting you from Covid, this is the test to do. This is very exciting news!
- The Quantitative Covid S1-RBD Antibody Test is 95% sensitive for COVID-19 and not to any other coronaviruses.
- It has 100% clinical specificity reducing potential of cross-reactivity from other viruses.
- Results are available in 24 hours.
- In addition, it can be repeated in the future to let you know if you are holding your immune status or if you are becoming less or more immune to Covid-19 and its variants over time.
The test assays for spike 1 protein (S1-RBD) neutralizing antibodies. These antibodies are specific for preventing spike proteins (viral) penetration into the cell. Routine Covid antibody testing is more generalized picking up several other antibodies not specific to just the neutralizing antibody. Hence the strength of your immunity cannot be determined.
Because most vaccines are targeted to neutralize the S1-RBD spike protein, we now have a means for testing the efficacy of the vaccine also.
“This Quantitative Covid S1-RBD Antibody Test will clearly show if the individual, either by having had Covid or by being vaccinated, has developed specific, and over time long-term immunity.”***
How Does S1-RBD Antibody Test Work?
The spike protein is divided into 2 functional regions: S1-RBD and S2****
- S1-RBD binds to ACE2 receptors on human cells. Binding to ACE2 receptor sites in lungs causes the cytokine storm and subsequent covid pneumonia associated with increased mortality.
- If the ability of the S1-RBD to bind to the ACE2 receptor site is blocked by a disruption of the S1-RBD function, the virus is neutralized preventing disease.
- S1-RBD is the site targeted by most Covid-19 vaccines.
- Therefore, the higher amount of anti-S1-RBD antibodies made to protect the ACE2 receptor sites correlates with decreased viral penetration in the cell and decreased disease.
- These anti-S1-RBD antibodies associated with neutralizing viral activity are made in response to Covid-19 vaccinations and Covid-19 infection.
- Interestingly, Testosterone and Estrogen also bind to ACE2 receptors blocking viral penetration and decreasing the incidence of Covid infection.*, **, *****. In this case, no antibodies are made. One good reason to make sure your hormones are at optimal levels!
- S2 part of the spike protein mediates viral fusion with the host cell membrane resulting in the release of the virus into the host cell. Future vaccinations and or medications are being developed to block viral transmission to host cells at this juncture.
If you:
- Had Covid,
- Think you had Covid,
- And/or had the Vaccine
- AND are interested in having this test done,
Please call RMC at 412-767-9890 or text RMC at 412-403-2944 to schedule your appointment.
Have an entirely awesome day! Be Safe and Be Well! Dr. D