COVID-19 VACCINE
RESPONSE
TEST PANEL
Fast, accurate testing to determine the immune system’s response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
INTRODUCING COVID-19 VACCINE RESPONSE TEST PANEL
NEW! IGeneX is now offering the COV5T SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Response Test Panel, which tests for antibody response and T-cell response. This comprehensive test panel gives patients the ability to monitor their overall response to the vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines are designed to provoke a strong response to the most dangerous elements of the coronavirus, called spike proteins. There are three possible immune responses generated by a successful vaccine: the production of B cells or T cells — or both.
The test panel consists of two SARS-CoV-2 ImmunoBlot tests (one for IgM, one for IgG), and a SARS-CoV-2 IgXSpot test. ImmunoBlots measure antibody response from activation of B cells, and IgXSpot measures T-cell reactivity.
MEASURE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 VACCINE
B CELLS
Antibodies produced by B cells attack the virus directly. Ideally, antibodies would be active for a long time, but studies so far indicate that COVID-19 antibodies are relatively short-lived. This response is similar to that seen for other types of coronaviruses, such as the common cold or influenza.
T CELLS
The second line of defense is provided by T cells. Unlike B cells, T cells do not attack the virus directly, but instead target infected cells — thus stopping the virus from reproducing. Recent data indicate that T cells have the ability to provide longer-term protection against COVID-19.
WHAT THE VACCINE RESPONSE TEST PANEL CAN TELL YOU?
The COV5T SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Response Panel measures immune response from all vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson. Positive test results, however, do not guarantee immunity from COVID-19. Results should be used in conjunction with advice from your doctor. The information will be helpful in determining the following:
- Is my body producing antibodies?
- Are my t-cells activated?
- Am I seronegative?
- Am I protected from others?
- Are others protected from me?
- Do I have natural immunity?
TESTS INCLUDED IN THE VACCINE RESPONSE PANEL
IMMUNOBLOT
Detects both early (IgM) and late stage (IgG) antibodies against SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Most tests detect only IgG antibodies. Antibody positivity likely means a person has protective immunity. The ImmunoBlot detects four antigen bands: 25kDa, 50kDa, 58kDa, 75kDa and is considered positive if two or more bands are present. Most COVID-19 tests, such as ELISA, detect only one antigen, making them less sensitive and often not specific enough to distinguish SARS-COV-2 from other viruses.
SENSITIVITY: IgM 70%; IgG 91%
SPECIFICITY: IgM 99.5%; IgG 99.5%.
IGXSPOT
Detects specific T-cell response soon after vaccination, when antibodies to the organisms are not detectable. Allows for visualization of the secretory product(s) of individually activated or responding cells to SARS-CoV-2 specific antigens. Each spot that develops in the assay represents a single reactive cell. A positive test result indicates that the T-cells have not only been previously exposed to the virus, but that they are active and ready to initiate defense against the infection. When combined with ImmunoBlots, IgXSpot provides information on the full spectrum of a patient’s immune response.
RESULTS INTERPRETATION:
Positive: > or = 3 SFU, Negative: < or = 2 SFU
WHY AN IMMUNOBLOT IS A SUPERIOR COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST
In an ImmunoBlot, SARS-CoV-2 antigens are sprayed onto a nitrocellulose membrane. If specific antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 antigens are present, they will bind to the corresponding antigen bands. A dark purple precipitate will develop on the antigen-antibody complexes. Based on the studies to date, the ImmunoBlots have superior specificity and sensitivity compared to ELISA and Lateral Flow assays.
Sensitivity
– ~91% sensitivity because multiple antigens are used
– Antigens are individually present on the blot
– A single antigen is mostly used
Specificity
– Specificity is >99% for IgG and IgM
– Specific and pure recombinant antigens are used
Stage of Disease
– Active (IgM and IgG)
– Late (IgG)
HOW TO ORDER COVID-19 VACCINE RESPONSE PANEL?
Contact Your Doctor
This test panel can only be ordered by a licensed healthcare provider. Please refer to the IGeneX COVID-19 Test Requisition Form for more information on pricing and ordering.
Collect & Ship Sample
IGeneX will provide a collection kit at no charge. A blood sample is collected and sent to IGeneX as described in the test requisition form and in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Test is Performed
IGeneX conducts ImmunoBlot and IgXSpot testing on the sample provided. Results will be provided in accordance with the guidelines described in the test requisition form.
PHYSICIANS & HOSPITALS: OFFER VACCINE RESPONSE PANEL
If you are interested in offering the COVID-19 Vaccine Response Test Panel to your patients, please contact us using the form below. Or, you can go ahead and place an order immediately without needing to contact us.
Why Partner with IGeneX?
IGeneX is pleased to be one of the few CLIA certified labs that offers PCR, antibody, and T cell testing for COVID-19. It is our goal to help people get back to living a normal life quickly, but do so in a way that will be safe for them and family at home.
We are scientific experts who have developed many unique and excellent tests, hold many patents, have published dozens of scientific publications, and are recognized by many as a gold-standard reference lab. IGeneX is fully CLIA/CMS certified, as well as being licensed to perform testing from all 50 states, including New York.
Get in Touch
If you are a physician or hospital and would like to offer COVID-19 testing, let us know by completing the form below or calling us at 1-800-832-3200. If you are a patient, please do not use this form. Send an email to customerservice@igenex.com or call us at 1-800-832-3200.
