COVID Antibodies article - what the numbers mean

Johns Hopkins has released their initial report on what those antibody levels indicate. I know many of us participated in the initial study and may be in the ongoing one as well. FWIW, you can now get the same test at Labcorp on your own (since JH is no longer giving us our actual numbers)

https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/95156?fbclid=IwAR2rVzu7KBOM7LMC4VBKars1T4fK8xMSgtO7tm4qCNSPeYVc3WX-cVKCDT4

I took part in the UNC study and just got my post-booster LabCorp antibody results. It's 135 and flagged as "high." Pre-booster they were in the 70s. This test's number scale appears to be different from the LabCorp test discussed in the article and definitely different from the Johns Hopkins one. According to the UNC study results, the mean post-booster antibody level is 98.8. The highest level on their scale pre-booster was ">=30."

They also say that "of 98 patients with no detectible antibody after initial series, only 3 had no antibody after additional dose."

I'm glad my number went up, but it's a mystery what it means. This is what the results say:

"Interpretation: This quantitative assay identifies IgG antibodies that specifically target the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein which is the site of viral attachment to host ACE2 receptors. Anti-RBD antibody levels correlate to SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAb) in humans (1,2) and provide protection against disease upon high dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge in animal models (3,4).This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for this test is pending."

I had my 3rd shot in in mid August and my antibodies 1 month out were over 2500 but I did another antibody test at 4 month after 3rd shot and was only at 800. That is with the lab Corp test John Hopkins does. I am also in the UNC study and it’s a totally different test at 9 weeks after 3 rd shot I was at a 14. I know that I can get my booster (4th shot) 6 months after my 3rd shot but that is still 2 months out and I teach high school students so not thrilled to wait until then. I am on Humira.

tiredofallthispoop said...
I think our doctors could prescribe a fourth dose since we are considered immunosuppressed. Would be worth a try…

Can they or do you have to wait the 6 months? I am about to be on winter break so I have a couple of weeks to figure this out. I just saw my GP and she didn’t even mention she could do this but also didn’t seem concerned that I had to wait until mid February.

I called my GI... I have to wait 6 months for a booster which will be a half dose. Anyone else have any doctors say they are going to prescribe a 4th full dose,?

Clo

I had 2 Pfizer's, 0 antibodies, took a full dose Moderna, 0 antibodies after about 6 to 8 weeks, and am now waiting for a 4th full shot which my PCP, Infectious Disease, GI, Colorectal surgeon, rheumatologist, and nephrologist have all refused to give me until after 6 months. They all said that is the recommendation. And yes... I was shopping for a yes vote because I still have not developed antibodies to any of the vaccines I have received. I was hopeful that a 4th full shot might make a difference. The infectious disease doctor said that I could just be a non responder or it could be the methotrexate and Remicade. So I wait.

Regardless I do not get the "Get out of jail" card and must continue to self isolate. ☹️

Clo