I had an antibody test (blood draw) this week that came back negative. Doctor said he didn't put much stock in the result either way because he questions the reliability of the test. What I've read seems to indicate that is true, but particularly around testing happening too early after infection. My question is how reliable is it in my particular situation?
Background: I started having symptoms which seemed like allergy/sinus issues mid-Sept. By end of month turned into breathing difficulties, particularly after exercise and at night. No other symptoms. Got PCR test 10/5, showed negative. Treated for bronchitis - Amoxicillin and Albuterol. Helped a lot, but didn't fix. Went back, got 2nd round of oral steroids, Augmentin & symbicort, worked great. Felt fairly good for a couple days after treatment, only to have symptoms return again this week. Went back for blood draw and chest x-rays Wednesday (11/18), everything looked fine, but still experiencing shortness of breath. I'm otherwise healthy and fairly fit, run a good bit. Breathing difficulties are not severe, more of annoyance, causes trouble sleeping, etc. Doctor agrees all this is consistent with COVID, but is going to refer me for some other testing (stress test) since we don't have positive result for it, which is fine. But it certainly still feels respiratory related only, for past 2 months now.
I get that the PCR test being possibly 2 weeks or more past first symptom could've resulted in false negative. But if thats the case, whats the likelihood of antibody test showing false negative 2 months past first symptom?
Background: I started having symptoms which seemed like allergy/sinus issues mid-Sept. By end of month turned into breathing difficulties, particularly after exercise and at night. No other symptoms. Got PCR test 10/5, showed negative. Treated for bronchitis - Amoxicillin and Albuterol. Helped a lot, but didn't fix. Went back, got 2nd round of oral steroids, Augmentin & symbicort, worked great. Felt fairly good for a couple days after treatment, only to have symptoms return again this week. Went back for blood draw and chest x-rays Wednesday (11/18), everything looked fine, but still experiencing shortness of breath. I'm otherwise healthy and fairly fit, run a good bit. Breathing difficulties are not severe, more of annoyance, causes trouble sleeping, etc. Doctor agrees all this is consistent with COVID, but is going to refer me for some other testing (stress test) since we don't have positive result for it, which is fine. But it certainly still feels respiratory related only, for past 2 months now.
I get that the PCR test being possibly 2 weeks or more past first symptom could've resulted in false negative. But if thats the case, whats the likelihood of antibody test showing false negative 2 months past first symptom?