Chandigarh: PGI starts antibody test, not for diagnosis

CHANDIGARH: The PGI has started antibodies test for its healthcare workers only.
“The test is only for those who have been infected and to know about the defence mechanism of the antibodies developed. It is not for diagnosis,” said Prof Jagat Ram, director, PGI. This means the test would not help in patient management at PGI. A recent order mentioned that if anyone wants to do the test on a project mode, they may perform it after taking necessary permission at the institute.Also, if PGI decides to perform antibodies test for healthcare workers for any reason, it would be done free of cost. “As a service for any individual from outside on payment basis at the institute, it is not desirable,” said the director.
An antibodies test shows that a person might have had the virus at some point in the past. It could have gone, or could still be present. “For plasma therapy, this test is required. There is no point of transfusing plasma which have antibodies but do not have the neutralising affect. This test is being done on donors who recovered,” said a PGI doctor.