text: Types of diagnostic tests to detect coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) - Forum Instituto Bernabeu
  In summary, after the risk of exposure, the virus can be detected in the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa after 2-3 days. Viral load, that is, the amount of virus present, increases with the passing of days. After the incubation period the first symptoms generally appear. These may be more or less severe, depending on the age group and underlying conditions of each person. After 6-7 days of the appearance of symptoms, our immune system begins to try to protect our body by generating antibodies that are capable of neutralizing the virus. The first ones that appear are IgM antibodies and later the IgG antibodies that are those that, if our immune system has responded adequately, will remain positive as a reminder of the past infection (called acquired immunity).
  There are two types of tests for the determination of antibodies: the ELISA test, which requires specialized personnel and material, and the rapid tests that inform us of the result in 15-20 minutes. These tests are performed in blood (finger stick) and both types of antibodies will be differentiated. It is important to carry them out at the right time, since if our defense system has not yet produced them, obviously we will not be able to detect them. Obtaining a positive result for IgM would indicate an active infection, that is, at that time we will be passing the disease. However, if the IgM is negative but we present a positive IgG, we will have passed the disease and these IgG antibodies will remain positive for a time yet to be established, protecting us from another possible infection, although we must say that this a controversial point that has not yet been duly proven.
  By Instituto Bernabeu|2020-11-12T12:36:45+02:0029 de April de 2020|Coronavirus Covid 19, News, Reproductive biology|0 Comments