My husband needs oral surgery and they're asking, but not requiring, their patients

[pnwmom]

to get an antibody test for Covid.

The blood test for antibodies, not the nasal test for an active infection.

Why would they be asking this? I'm asking you guys because I can't convince my husband to call his doctor's office and ask.

[intrepidity]

1. Probably so they can gauge how cautious to be

But seems foolhardy to depend on test that has high false positive rate.

[ProfessorGAC]

8. Not All Of Them

You're right, some are pretty poor.
The best one out there has only a 1 in 400 chance of a false POSITIVE. So, very good.
The problem with it is it generates an unacceptable rate of false NEGATIVES.
So, if you're test positive for antibodies, you very likely have them. If you test negative, there's something like a 25% that you have antibodies, but the test missed them.
This is the only test authorized by Illinois' DPH. A second is the alternate.
They refused to use the rest.

[intrepidity]

10. Good to know

So, for the OP then, it's likely so they can know how careful they have to be in protecting themselves.

[ProfessorGAC]

13. I'd Think So, Yes

They wear gloves & masks to protect patients now.
Further eye, and clothing protection might be left out if somebody is antibody positive. Heavy PPE might be scary to some patients, especially kids.
If they can go to what patients are used to seeing, maybe they think that's best.
Otherwise, it full blown mitigation.

[soothsayer]

2. Good question. Why not ask them?

Oh never mind— you said he won’t (I was thinking doctor’s office and oral surgeon were different things)

[Miguelito Loveless]

3. If memory serves

A positive anti-body test would indicate past infection, so he had it, got over it, and is no longer infectious.

I am not a doctor of the medical sort.

[pnwmom]

6. Yeah, but the antibody test is very inaccurate, so it shouldn't reduce their cautiousness.

No one should rely on it.

[Miguelito Loveless]

11. True,

a BUNCH of folk got into this market with no FDA oversight. There are two labs that have an accuracy rate in the 90s, but their name escapes me at the moment.

[LizBeth]

4. Dental office can be one of the worst with cleaning (spraying water) and drilling. Spit going

everywhere. It is their lives too and in a confined space, not the ventilation needed and sitting in it for 8 hours or more puts their risk way up there.

Btw, I have been to the dentist five or 6 times in the last month. They are taking lots of precautions but not that far.

[pnwmom]

7. I understand that. I'm just wondering why they would want him to have an inaccurate test

for antibodies, instead of a more accurate test for a current infection?

[Tipperary]

12. Why do you not just call and ask?

Seems a bit more valid than asking du. Perfectly normal question to ask.

[pnwmom]

14. Because it's my husband's oral surgeon, not mine. n/t

[LizBeth]

16. I hear you. If there was a fast turn around with tests, like a day before surgery, then ya.

Makes much more sense.

[nykym]

5. I think a better question to ask is

Have you and all your staff been tested?

[SheltieLover]

18. This!👆

[still_one]

9. It doesn't make sense. You are right pnwmom. In California people who are have certain

Last edited Wed Jun 17, 2020, 05:34 PM - Edit history (1)

procedures done are being given the COVID PCR test, that is the nasal swab

Your husband should verify, and ask why not the PCR COVID test?

[pnwmom]

15. Well, that's a new one!

I've been called many things, but no one has ever called me '"pneumonia" before!

[LizBeth]

17. lol

[still_one]

19. Damn iphone auto correct. Sorry pnwmom

[Flaleftist]

20. Why doesn't your husband want to take the test?

The local blood bank here does antibody testings for all donors.