Testing Anti-Spike Antibody Levels: A Key to Monitoring COVID-19 Immunity

In a recent segment of American Sunrise, Dr. Gina Loudon invited Dr. Peter A. McCullough, a renowned cardiologist and expert in infectious diseases, to discuss the importance of monitoring anti-Spike antibody levels. This conversation shed light on the growing importance of knowing your antibody concentrations, especially in the context of COVID-19 immunity and vaccination.

Dr. McCullough explained that testing for anti-Spike antibodies can provide valuable insight into an individual’s immune response to the COVID-19 virus or the vaccine. These antibodies target the spike protein of the virus, which is crucial for viral entry into human cells. For people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine or had a natural infection, anti-Spike antibodies can indicate how well their immune system has responded.

How to Test Your Anti-Spike Antibody Levels

Dr. McCullough detailed the simple steps to obtain and interpret anti-Spike antibody concentrations through LabCorp's COVID-19 antibody test:

1. Sign up for the Test: Visit the LabCorp website or go to Labs on Demand to sign up for a COVID-19 antibody test. The test costs around $69.
2. Get Blood Drawn: Go to any LabCorp office to have your blood drawn. The process is quick and straightforward.
3. Review Your Results: Within 24 hours, you can log in to your LabCorp portal to view your results. This will give you a snapshot of your anti-Spike antibody concentration.

Why Are Anti-Spike Antibodies Important?

According to Dr. McCullough, understanding your anti-Spike antibody levels is crucial, especially for those who have experienced long-term COVID symptoms or have been vaccinated. Research by Barham et al. indicates that individuals who have been vaccinated and still experience long-COVID symptoms may have elevated anti-Spike antibodies years after vaccination. This is because mRNA from the vaccine, as well as the spike protein, can persist in the body for longer periods, making it essential to monitor these levels for a more accurate understanding of immune protection.

While the presence of anti-Spike antibodies can suggest a certain level of immunity, it’s important to note that a higher antibody count does not always guarantee immunity against COVID-19. However, it is a helpful metric in assessing one’s ongoing immune response, particularly in the context of evolving variants and booster shots.

Conclusion: Stay Informed About Your Immune Health

By staying informed about your anti-Spike antibody levels, you can better understand your personal immune response to COVID-19 and make more informed decisions about vaccination and health measures. Dr. McCullough’s advice to track these levels is particularly beneficial for those who may be concerned about long-COVID symptoms or who have questions about their vaccine-induced immunity. Whether you are vaccinated, previously infected, or simply seeking to understand your immunity better, obtaining this test offers a valuable tool in managing your health during the ongoing pandemic.

If you're curious about your own anti-Spike antibody levels, follow the steps outlined above and stay proactive about your health.

Sources

Barham, et al. (2021). Long-term presence of mRNA and Spike proteins in individuals with long-COVID. Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Courageous Discourse with Dr. Peter McCullough & John Leake | Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH | Substack.