Based on the lack of relevant evidence, a renowned ICMR leader has recently questioned the ability of antibody tests to determine immunity against COVID-19. India’s national cancer grid had organized a webinar for the evaluation of testing protocols for COVID-19. In the webinar, the head of epidemiology and communicable diseases at ICMR said that antibody tests might not be “immune passports” for COVID-19.
He highlighted the lack of clarity on the long-term immune effects of SARS-CoV-2. Antibodies are not markers of active infection but only indicate if an individual has been exposed to the infection in the past. Therefore, the results of antibody testing kits based on immunoglobins like IgM and IgG cannot be considered as “immune certificates.” The ICMR has suggested that government and private institutions and organizations may use the antibody tests to allay the fear and anxiety…
