How can I check my immunity to COVID-19? What is the cPass antibody test?

As booster shots for COVID-19 vaccine are recommended 6 months after the initial 2 doses, many people are wondering if it is possible to check their level of immunity after the vaccines.

There is a test called the cPass neutralising antibody test which is ideal for post vaccination monitoring.

How does it work?

The COVID-19 vaccines stimulate our immune system to produce antibodies to the COVID-19 virus. Antibodies act before the virus enters our human cells, and are important in preventing infection and disease.

Neutralising antibodies are particularly important in blocking the binding of the COVID-19 virus spike protein to cells.

The cPass test measures the levels of these neutralising antibodies. It has been shown to be an excellent measure of your level of immune protection from symptomatic COVID-19 infection.

How is it different from COVID-19 serology testing?

COVID-19 serology tests look for the presence and quantity of antibodies, but do not check for the quality of antibodies. The cPass test determines the amount of neutralising antibodies.

What level of neutralising antibodies is ideal?

The exact level depends on the variant of COVID-19 virus. Against the highly infectious delta variant, a level of more than 80% is thought to translate to a low risk of COVID-19 infection.

Both the COVID-19 serology test and cPass neutralising antibody test are available at Healthsprings clinics. You can book an appointment to find out more.