Yiannoukas Medical Laboratories member BIOIATRIKI Healthcare Group introduces, for the first time in Cyprus, the T-cell immunity test against the new coronavirus.
The T-cell immune response initiates simultaneously with the virus-specific antibodies production upon infection or vaccination and is a result of the activation of a special type of lymphocytes, the T-lymphocytes, which remain in the blood for years after possible infection with Covid-19. They have an important role in the body’s “long-term memory” and in its defense against future re-infections. More and more studies support that while antibodies in many cases are not produced, or may be delayed, cellular defenses have already been activated to such an extent as to provide a degree of protection that varies from person to person. For this reason, T-cell immunity test is mainly recommended as an adjunct test to people who, when they were infected with the virus or vaccinated, did not produce enough antibodies. Therefore, now they can have a complete picture of their defense against COVID-19 infection.
Who can benefit from T-cell immunity test?
- Those who wish to have a thorough knowledge of their immune response to SARS-CoV-2 after infection or vaccination.
- Those who did get infected in the past, but their antibodies test is negative.
- Healthy individuals who wish to know whether they were infected and they were unaware due to lack of infection symptoms.
Does antibodies existence also mean T-cell immunity existence?
Normally, initiation of both immunity types (antibodies and lymphocytes) takes place simultaneously but to a different degree and duration.
Laboratory testing is important for the answer of the T-cell immunity levels that the individual has at the time of the testing.
If my body does not produce antibodies, is it able to initiate cell-mediated immunity?
Many studies support that while antibodies in many cases are not produced, or may be delayed, cellular defenses have already been activated to such an extent as to provide a degree of protection that varies from person to person. For this reason, T-cell immunity test is mainly recommended as an adjunct test to people who, when they were infected by the virus or vaccinated, did not produce enough antibodies. Therefore, now they can have a complete picture of their defense against COVID-19 infection.
When should one proceed to T-cell immunity test?
For the complete evaluation of the immune response, examination should be carried out ideally at least 14 days after the onset of symptoms or the confirmation of the infection and 20 days after the 2nd vaccination dose.
How is the T-cell immunity test carried out?
Cellular immunity is carried out in BIOIATRIKI with the internationally recognized T-SPOT technology that ensures high reliability results.
The examination begins with a simple blood sampling, under conditions of complete safety and with all protective measures.
Blood sampling for T-cell immunity test take place on Monday exclusively at the Group’s sampling points in Nicosia (Polydynamo Center – 100 Limassol Avenue and at the Central Laboratories – Ifigenias 59), by appointment from 7am to 10am. Results available in 5 working days. For the complete evaluation of the immune response, examination should be carried out ideally at least 14 days after the onset of symptoms, or the confirmation of the infection and 20 days after the 2nd vaccination dose. Schedule an appointment by calling: 22419700
