An antibody test is a blood test that determines whether the body has already produced antibodies against a specific pathogen.
- Antibodies are proteins that the immune system produces in order to recognise and fight off pathogens such as viruses or bacteria.
- The test shows whether someone earlier has come into contact with a pathogen or whether a Vaccination has triggered a defence reaction.
- An antibody test therefore does not directly detect the pathogen itself, but rather the reaction of the immune system.
Example:
The HIV antibody test checks whether the body has produced antibodies against HIV. A positive result means that an HIV infection is present.
