Serological tests are generally done to see if there is immunity to a disease as a response to the immune system. This has led many to question whether it is necessary to undergo a serological test after the COVID-19 vaccine to determine whether immunity to this infection has developed.
Serology test is a blood test to detect antibodies. The results of this test are generally used to diagnose whether a person has or has had certain infections.
In some cases, serological tests can be done to see the success of vaccination in stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that are specific to a disease. However, this is not a routine checkup done after vaccination.
It is important to know that serological tests to assess the success of vaccination against a disease are not the same as serological tests to diagnose the disease. This is because the types of antibodies detected are different.
Serology Test Facts After COVID-19 Vaccine
Many think that serological tests need to be done to find out whether antibodies have formed in the body after the COVID-19 vaccine is injected. In fact, however, this is not the case.
The Indonesian Association of Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI) stated that the general public who had received the COVID-19 vaccine did not need to undergo a serological test. This test is only performed on clinical trial participants to determine the efficacy of the vaccine.
As explained above, the antibodies detected to diagnose COVID-19 are different from the antibodies detected to assess the success of the COVID-19 vaccine. So, rapid test which is commonly used for screening for COVID-19 cannot be used to determine the success or failure of the COVID-19 vaccination.
Special serological tests are required to detect antibodies produced in response to injections of the COVID-19 vaccine. In Indonesia, this serological test is not yet available to the public and its use is still limited for clinical trials of vaccines.
So, is it necessary to have a serology test after the COVID-19 vaccination?
Once again, it needs to be emphasized that the serological tests performed after the COVID-19 vaccination are different from the serological tests for initial screening or screening for COVID-19, namely rapid test antibody. The injection of the COVID-19 vaccine does not affect the results rapid test antibodies and do not make them reactive.
When you do an inspection rapid test after getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the results are positive or reactive, do a follow-up examination to the doctor. If necessary, the doctor will recommend a PCR test to determine whether you have COVID-19.
With or without a serological test after the COVID-19 vaccine, you still have to adhere to health protocols to prevent transmission of the Corona virus, namely by washing your hands, wearing a mask when outside the house, keeping a safe distance from other people (physical distancing), and avoiding crowds.
If you still have questions about the serologic test or the COVID-19 vaccine, you canchat directly with a doctor in the ALODOKTER application or make an appointment with a doctor in the application.