How can the BioSURE COVID-19 IgG Antibody Self Test help you if you’re immunosuppressed?
The BioSURE COVID-19 Antibody Self Test can be extremely helpful for people who are at additional risk of COVID-19 and/or if it’s critical for you to regularly monitor your immunity status. Knowing your antibody status can provide peace of mind if you have a weakened immune system.
I’m immunosuppressed and on Biologic medication because I have Ulcerative Colitis and I have personally found the BioSURE COVID-19 IgG Antibody Self Test extremely useful in finding out if I have protective antibodies to COVID-19.
How did I feel about doing a COVID-19 Antibody Self Test?
With the number of COVID-19 infections rising it’s essential to keep ourselves safe, especially during the cold winter months when it’s cold and flu season. I wanted to get back to doing normal things and living my life so when I heard about the BioSURE COVID-19 IgG Antibody Self Test I thought it would be good to find out if I had any protective antibodies to COVID-19 on my own terms. I felt a mixture of emotions – happy that I might be able to finally get back to doing normal things if I had some protective antibodies but scared – what if I had no protective antibodies? Would I be more at risk of more serious symptoms of COVID-19? What would I do then? How would I live my life? I would be in constant fear if someone sneezed or coughed near me! I wanted to do this test to know for sure and have some peace of mind either way. Whatever the result at least I would know and be able to make informed decisions going forwards.
Your family and friends might also be worried about you catching COVID-19 from them. Antibody testing, together with lateral flow and PCR testing can give you all the peace of mind that you will be less likely to catch COVID-19 from them. If you do have protective antibodies to COVID-19 then you know you have some protection and could have less serious symptoms from COVID-19.
How easy is the BioSURE COVID-19 IgG Antibody Self Test to perfrom?
The test was really easy to understand and to do. It was even easier than the COVID-19 lateral flow tests we’ve all been doing. It was just a tiny pinprick on my finger – I didn’t even feel it! And then just a short wait to know my own result. As I waited and watched the test run, I was ready to deal with whatever the result was either way. I had a plan for both options. I felt sad about the possibility of having no or low protective antibodies as I already have to be careful not to catch even a cold but at least I would know and could deal with it. I really thought this was the result I would have but at least I had thought about it and was prepared.
What does my BioSURE COVID-19 IgG Antibody Self Test result mean?
Antibodies give you protection and are produced as part of the body's natural immune response. They’re created from natural infection and vaccination. We know that the level of antibodies decreases over a number of months, especially in those who have vaccination only, are over 50, have underlying health problems or compromised immune systems. With little data on the performance of these vaccines and as someone with a weakened immune system I was anxious and worried about the level of protection I might have from COVID-19. I felt scared about returning to the office for work and visiting places when businesses opened up. I still wear a mask, follow social distancing, and try not to go in shops if I can help it. I do all of my shopping online. Of course, there are times when I must go to hospital for appointments or to the pharmacy to pick up medication, but I just have to get on with this. I’ve only been meeting a select few family and friends in private gardens, open parks and occasionally sitting outside at a restaurant during quieter times.
When the test was ready to read I was really pleased to find that the strength of intensity of the line was quite strong. This meant that I had some protective antibodies from the COVID-19 vaccines. I was so relieved and felt like I had the peace of mind and confidence to return to work with my colleagues and enjoy being in the workplace again. I felt more confident in being able to meet friends and family for dinner again as well! I have now been in a shop without feeling worried! It was so nice to feel safer after almost two years of living in fear. I still follow some social distancing, but I don’t feel like I have to limit myself as much going out now. For me this has been a game changer. I know I can test regularly and keep an eye on my level of protective antibodies to COVID-19.
I'm really interested in seeing how my body responds to the third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster vaccine as well. As we progress through Winter I can plan and make choices according to my antibody response and be in control.
I was really pleased and surprised to find that after my third primary dose I had strong protective antibodies to Covid-19. This has given me so much more confidence and has stopped me from feeling so worried and anxious.
BioSure are passionate about the importance of testing and knowing your status. BioSure have years of knowledge and expertise in self testing and this gave me trust in their test.
By Tracey Parker, BioSure Global Ltd employee
#BeBioSure
Discounted Antibody Self Tests for healthcare organisations and healthcare charities: We are offering discounted antibody self tests to healthcare organisations and healthcare charities who support communities that are at additional risk of COVID-19 and for whom it is critical to regularly monitor their immunity status. Please contact us for more information.