Want to check for COVID-19 antibodies? These are the tests available in the UAE
"I got a COVID-19 infection after the first dose of the vaccine. What should I do?"
Dubai: Whether you have contracted COVID-19 before your second dose of the vaccine or wish to check if you were ever an asymptomatic carrier of the virus, antibody tests can help individuals find out if they have developed an immunity to the cirus. Earlier this year, UAE’s health authorities clarified what individuals should do if they contract the virus before the second dose of the vaccine.
Dr Farida Al Hosani, Department Manager Communicable Diseases in Abu Dhabi Public Health Center and Official Spokesperson for the Health Sector in the UAE, said: “In case the requester was infected by the virus after the first dose s/he needs to finish the healing process and then go under the immunity test to check in case there is a need for second dose or not.”
In case the requester was infected by the virus after the first dose s/he needs to finish the healing process and then go under the immunity test to check in case there is a need for second dose or not.
In February, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) also spoke to Gulf News about common questions surrounding the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr Hend Al Awadhi, Head of Health Promotion and Education at DHA, said: “For Pfizer-BioNtech, Sinopharm and Oxford-AstraZeneca, individuals who have been asymptomatic or had mild COVID-19 symptoms and have completed their full isolation period (minimum ten days or longer depending upon their condition) can take the second dose of the vaccine if they do not have any symptoms. Even if they need to delay the second dose by a few days due to their illness, it is fine as long as they take the second dose. They should opt for the second dose of the vaccine only after their doctor’s approval.
“Those who had to be admitted to a hospital for COVID-19 or had moderate-to-severe COVID-19 infection must seek the opinion of their medical team with regard to when they should take the second dose of the vaccine.”
Where can I get an immunity test?
COVID-19 antibody tests are being offered at various locations in the UAE, including the following:
Aster Clinics
The clinics provide two types of tests:
1. Anti SARS-COV-2 Total (Nucleocapsid Detection)
Cost: Dh150
2. Anti SARS-COV-2 Total (Spike protein)
Cost: Dh250
Locations:
Aster Diagnostics Sharjah
Aster Clinic Al Nahda, Sharjah
Aster Clinic B2B (Near Al Nahda Lulu Hypermarket)
Aster Clinic Abu Shagara
Aster Clinic Muwailah
Aster Clinic Abutina
Aster Clinic Ajman
Aster Clinic Ajman Specialty
Aster Clinic King Faisal
Aster Clinic RAK
Aster Clinic Fujairah
Access Clinic Rolla
Access Clinic Muwailah
Access Clinic Ajman
Medcare Hospital, Sharjah
IgG (Immunoglobulin G) COVID-19 antibody test
Cost: Dh79
Prime Healthcare Group
Covid Total Antibody test
Cost: Dh120
Locations:
Prime Hospital, Al Garhoud
Prime Medical Center , Reef Mall
Premier Diagnostic Center, Deira
Prime Medical Center, Arabian Centre
Prime Medical Center, Al Warqa City Mall
Prime Medical Center, Burjuman Centre, Bur Dubai
Prime Medical Center, Jumeirah, Al Wasl Road, Al Ferdous Building
Prime Medical Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Ibri House
Prime Medical Center, Barsha Heights, Onyx Tower
Prime Medical Center, Motor City, First Avenue Mall
Prime Medical Center, Al Nahda, Al Roda Tower
Prime Specialist Medical Center, Al Majaz , Safeer Market, King Faizal Road
Prime Medical Center, Al Qasimia, Bel Rashid Building
Prime Specialist Medical Center, Juraina (06 Mall)
Prime Medical Center, Ajman, Grand Mall