| A test developed by the CDC has been established to identify the serum antibody |
- Detecting the SARS-CoV antibody is considered by the CDC to be a reliable indicator of infection, when tested > 28 days post onset.
- A negative test, absence of SARS-CoV antibody, is NOT a definitive test when conducted < 28 days.
- Increasing the amount of specimens taken throughout the illness increases the likelihood of detecting the virus.
- Specimens are collected from respiratory tract, stool and serum.
- Limitations of the test include low serum levels or low antigen levels because the body has not had enough time to produce the antigen.
- Testing may change as more is learned about the SARS-CoV.[7]
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