SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Total Ab with Reflex to IgG

CPT Code(s):
86769

Turnaround Time:
8 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Serum

Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL

Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST)

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Rejection Criteria:
Citrate or Fluoride plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
8 hours

Refrigerated:
48 hours

Frozen:
30 days

Clinical Significance

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Total Ab with Reflex to IgG is a diagnostic tool used to detect antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a patient's blood. This test initially measures the total antibodies, including IgM, IgG, and IgA, and then reflexively performs an IgG-specific test if the total antibody result is positive.

The clinical significance and diagnostic use of the SARS-CoV-2 Total Ab with Reflex to IgG include:

1. Infection Detection: The test helps identify individuals who have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, whether they have had symptomatic or asymptomatic infections. It can detect the presence of both early-stage IgM antibodies and later-stage IgG antibodies.

2. Time Course Assessment: By reflexively measuring IgG antibodies after a positive total antibody result, the test can provide additional information about the stage of infection. IgM antibodies typically appear early in the infection and may indicate a recent or ongoing infection, while IgG antibodies may persist for a longer duration, indicating past infection or immune response following vaccination.

3. Monitoring Immune Response: The presence and levels of IgG antibodies can help assess an individual's immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Higher IgG antibody levels may indicate a more robust immune response and potential protection against reinfection. This information can aid in monitoring patients' recovery and determining their immune status.

4. Epidemiological Surveillance: Population-level testing using the SARS-CoV-2 Total Ab with Reflex to IgG can provide insights into the prevalence of COVID-19 in a community, helping to track the spread of the virus, evaluate the effectiveness of public health measures, and inform public health interventions.

It's important to note that this test is not intended for the diagnosis of acute COVID-19 infection. Molecular tests such as PCR are recommended for the detection of active viral infection. Additionally, interpretation of test results should consider the clinical context, including symptoms, exposure history, and other relevant factors.

In summary, the SARS-CoV-2 Total Ab with Reflex to IgG is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying past exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, assessing the immune response, and monitoring the prevalence of COVID-19. It provides information about both early-stage IgM antibodies and later-stage IgG antibodies, helping healthcare professionals in the management and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic.