Scientists are optimistic about a newly approved test that can detect COVID-19 antibodies in the blood, saying it will help provide a wider picture of how many Canadians were infected and support research into one of the most pressing questions about the virus: how long immunity lasts.
When a person is exposed to any virus, their body naturally develops antibodies to fight it off. These Y-shaped cells linger in the blood for a period of time after infection and offer various degrees of immunity.
The Italian-made test, the DiaSorin LIAISON, was approved by Health Canada on Tuesday and will be used in Canadian labs to determine if a blood sample contains COVID-19 antibodies -- evidence that an individual was exposed to the virus and recovered. “These tests will help us better understand immunity against the virus and how it spreads, so we can keep Canadians safe and healthy,” he said.The new test marks a key step forward in how Canada has been testing for COVID-19. Up until now, swab tests have been used to test individuals who presented symptoms. The new test uses blood samples and can determine if someone who had no symptoms or didn’t seek treatment unknowingly fought off the virus, as long as antibodies are still present.
These population studies are the antibody test’s “first key use,” chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said Wednesday.
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