There are two different types of tests: one to determine an ongoing infection and one to detect a passing infection by measuring the presence of antibodies.

To test ongoing infection, the nose and / or throat are topped. The sample is then analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

These tests are considered very reliable, although the response is highly temporary. Someone who is infectious one day may be infected the other.

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To test if a person had the disease, however, the presence of IgG antibodies in the blood is measured. However, these antibodies only form after a number of days, so the sample should not be taken prematurely, perhaps a few weeks after the infection has healed.

Both tests can then be used both individually and at group level. The latter means that the test responses are used, for example, in the infection prevention work, to find out how large the spread of infection is at a given time or how quickly the disease spreads, or to know how large a proportion of a certain population that can be assumed to have had the disease and thus, possibly , be immune.

The authority does not advise

The antibody tests currently on the market today are said to be very reliable, close to 100 percent. Nevertheless, the Public Health Authority does not recommend using them. Not because the tests are not safe, but because there are still questions about whether you can be considered immune or not.

Know too little

However, if there are no antibodies, this does not automatically mean that you are not immune. It may be that the amount of antibodies is so small that the body does not detect it. The body also has several ways to create immunity. In addition to antibodies, there is something called a cell-mediated immunity, but what this looks like with the coronavirus no one knows yet.

In addition, the test can show antibodies, even though they are not.

But above all, we do not know if, and if so how much protection, the presence of antibodies.