Russian Scientists Create COVID-19 Antibody Test System

Rospotrebnadzor has registered the first COVID-19 antibody test system based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

The test system, which was designed by St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, was registered with Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian authorized body for control in the various areas including epidemiologic control as the first «Russian enzyme-linked immunosorbent test system designed to determine how many antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are in the blood of those who are infected or had been infected in the past, or could be contracted with no visible symptoms.»

According to the agency, the test has high analytical sensitivity and makes it possible to determine even the smallest amounts of antibodies in serum and blood plasma.

With help of these reagents, specialists can find out how strong antibody immune response is from very low level to high level. That makes the test extremely useful when doctors have to decide whether or not an additional shot of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 is needed. 

Kazakhstanis can check the level of their antibodies against COVID at several laboratories. They have to do that on the 42nd day or six weeks after the first shot of the vaccine.