The immunoassay test is a qualitative (IgG) immunoglobulin test to detect antibodies to COVID-19 virus. Those with antibodies may prove to have developed some immunity to the virus, but also are in a position to donate blood for experimental treatment or participation in research.

Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, a functional medicine physician in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, coordinated a teleconference last month with Dr. Brent Dorval, the founder and chief scientific officer of KBMO Diagnostics, in Hopedale, Massachusetts. Dorval invented the first 60-second HIV diagnostic and has been an adviser to the Vaccine and Diagnostics committee of the World Health Organization (WHO), in Geneva.

He states that the KBMO test measures antibodies against the virus protein. Although there appear to be various strains, the KBMO test will pick up all of them and will not cross-react with past viruses. The timeline of progression appears to show infection (with or without symptoms) moving into the development of IgM antibodies by approximately day 14. IgG antibodies will appear as the body is moving into the immune phase of the disease, around day 28. IgG appears to be a neutralizer of the virus. Hence, antibody testing, in conjunction with real time polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR swab testing), can give the most complete diagnostic picture of the progression of the disease.

Although the scientific community is curious and hopeful, there are no guarantees that IgG in one’s blood is a vaccination. The Institute of Functional Medicine points out a variety of unknowns related to the sensitivity and specificity of testing and the development of immunity. Until more is known, it is best to continue with all hygiene recommendations to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.”

For more information, visit KBMODiagnostics.com. To listen to full webinar with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and Dr. Brent Dorval, visit DrKaraFitzgerald.com.

Mary Ruetten is an educator and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Health. She was the previous co-publisher of Natural Awakenings Las Vegas. Contact at [email protected].