TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Antibody test

Our party of 5 that are arriving on 06/30 decided to get the antibody test in order to save the required return test to the USVI. Two out of the five of us (Pfizer vaccinated in March and J&J in April) tested negative for antibodies so we'll need to schedule the PCR test 5 days before our return by water taxi to the USVI. The other 3 (Moderna in January, J&J in April and Pfizer in April) tested positive for antibodies so at least that is some time and expense saved. I guess the moral of the story is don't count on antibody testing to save that return test.

Based on user feedback we'll aim for being at Jost when time to get tested.

If you don't have antibodies , it seems to me you are not protected against covid.

From the FDA: "At this time, researchers do not know whether the presence of antibodies means that you are immune to COVID-19; or if you are immune, how long it will last.

In people who have received a COVID-19 vaccination, antibody testing is not recommended to determine whether you are immune or protected from COVID-19. and more:

Q: Are antibody tests used to diagnose COVID-19?
A: No. An antibody test does not detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to diagnose COVID-19. These tests can return a negative test result even in infected patients (for example, if antibodies have not yet developed in response to the virus) or may generate false positive results (for example, if antibodies to another coronavirus type are detected), so they should not be used to evaluate if you are currently infected or contagious (ability to infect other people).

Q: If antibody tests cannot be used to diagnose COVID-19, what tests are available for that?
A: Currently, there are two types of diagnostic tests for COVID-19:

Molecular (RT-PCR) tests, which detect the virus' genetic material
Antigen tests that detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus
Molecular and antigen tests can detect if you have an active coronavirus infection. If you test positive on either type of test, you should follow the CDC's guidelines to protect yourself and others.

Molecular and antigen tests are performed using samples taken mostly from the nose and throat using a long swab, or other respiratory specimens.
For more information on the different types of tests, see:

Coronavirus Testing Basics
CDC: Testing for COVID-19
Understanding Antibody Test Results
Q: What does a positive antibody test mean?
A: If you have a positive test result on a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, it is possible that you have recently or previously had COVID-19. There is also a chance that the positive result is wrong, known as a false positive. False positive tests may occur:

Because antibody tests may detect coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2, such as those that cause the common cold.
When testing is done in a population without many cases of COVID-19 infections. These types of tests work best in populations with higher rates of infection.
Q: Does a positive antibody test mean that I am immune to COVID-19?
A: A positive antibody test does not necessarily mean you are immune from SARS-CoV-2 infection, as it is not known whether having antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 will protect you from getting infected again. It also does not indicate whether you can infect other people with SARS-CoV-2.

Q: What does a negative antibody test mean?
A: A negative result on a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test means antibodies to the virus were not detected in your sample. It could mean:

You have not been infected with COVID-19 previously.
You had COVID-19 in the past but you did not develop or have not yet developed detectable antibodies. It is unknown if all infected individuals will develop a detectable antibody response.
The result may be wrong, known as a false negative. This occurs when the test does not detect antibodies even though you may have specific antibodies for SARS-CoV-2."

I think you were a little harsh to tpcook, maybe there were other anti-vax posts or something, but his statement was what I was thinking as well. It is inaccurate, but posting something inaccurate doesn't mean someone is lying or anti-vax. Here's a better article about it. In short, lack of anti-bodies does not mean you aren't protected, the instructions to fight off the virus are still there. As I understand it, anti-bodies would be created again if exposed to the virus.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/covid-antibody-test-after-vaccine

Harsh, no was not at all. There is a history here.

Look at your reference, did not say anything different than what I posted for the most part. but this caught my eye: "The FDA warns that misinterpreting antibody test results could lead people to take fewer precautions than necessary, or cause needless worry. "

It is my understandings (and I will confirm this before my trip in a couple weeks,) that if you depart BVI by water (ferry), a positive antibody test is all that needed for entry into St Thomas and not a PCR Test. If flying back into the U.S., then the PCR or atigen test are required.

Well…now I’m confused, my mother in law had J&J 2 months ago, she is having a surgery next week and her doctor tested her for antibodies earlier this week and they were not present. Doctor told her after surgery she will get another vaccine….hmmmm confused

From the USVI travel portal:

Travelers are required to provide evidence of:



a COVID-19 molecular (e.g., RT-PCR, viral or nucleic acid amplification) test from a nasal or throat or saliva swab sample taken and NEGATIVE result received (both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory)

OR

a COVID-19 antigen (rapid) test from a nasal or throat swab sample taken and NEGATIVE result received (both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory)

OR

a COVID-19 antibody (rapid) finger stick or blood draw test taken and POSITIVE result received (both within four months of commencement )

For molecular and antigen tests, the five-day window is related to both taking the test and receiving results; tests taken or results received outside the five-day window do not meet the requirements. Travelers are encouraged to plan testing dates so as to receive their results within the five-day window prior to travel to the USVI.

I resent the way you posted your remark. I am not an expert on antibodies and expressed my thoughts that the vaccine would produce antibodies.. For you to go off on me is inexcusable and thoughtless. I expect an apology from you.!

I expect to use an antibody test for entrance back in the USVI for travel back to USA . I received the 2 doses of vaccine months ago., so hardly an antivaxer.

We used positive antibody test to return to USVI from BVI via ferry in May. The antibody test is not useless.

You deserve an apology, tpcook. Eric is out of line and needs to chill out.

Completely agree...this Forum has always kept it classy. History is no excuse. You can always take it to PM

With respect

bailau

btw Husker Abby Normal was just at Anegada and 1st shirt on right as you go into Potters is from a Abby Normal crew....

The posts have been edited. Sorry things went south. Will close this one and if someone wants to start another thread with this topic, go ahead.