Understanding antibody testingAbove is a link for an article written for orthopedic surgeons (you can tell because it says so in the abstract, and there are lots of pictures). If you look down to the algorithm for how to treat patients with your test results, you'll see their recommendations for antibody testing when IgM is positive and IgG is negative:
IgM is Positive and IgG is Negative
This test result indicates that the immune system is actively producing antibodies to a recent infection (
Fig. 3 ). The subject should immediately isolate from healthy individuals and seek further medical advice if symptoms develop. This subject can likely spread disease to others, even when asymptomatic. The subject may remain symptom free, experience minor symptoms, or worsening symptoms as the disease course progresses. The subject should be vigilant and seek care appropriate to the symptoms they experience. After at least 14 to 21 days, the subject should consider repeat testing to confirm their IgG antibody status has become positive and they are outside the expected window to shed virus before returning to normal activities. If more rapid return to community activities is warranted, for example, for critical industry workers, a molecular test should be performed to assess viral shedding status.
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