What’s your Covid antibody score? Forget fantasy football leagues – it’s IgG antibody level results that now have offices competing.

What’s your Covid antibody score? Forget fantasy football leagues – it’s IgG antibody level results that now have offices competing.

There’s a new competition dominating talks at the watercooler as we all return to work. What is your Covid antibody IgG level test score? It’s a light-hearted trend but London Medical Laboratory warns it’s underscored by a serious message: 1 in 100 people don’t develop any antibodies following vaccination.

As staff return to the office, many responsible employers are testing for coronavirus antibody levels, which provide a more accurate guide to possible immunity from infection than whether staff have been double-jabbed. It’s a test that has created an unlikely new inter-office competition: how high are your antibody levels?

London Medical Laboratory (LML) says it first noticed people were getting a little competitive about their scores when staff at its laboratory began comparing their  Covid-19 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody test results. London Medical Laboratory’s Head of Public Relations, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says:

‘Covid-19 antibody tests have been around for a while, but earlier ones were not always highly accurate. New “second generation” tests have been introduced that are far more accurate and informative. Levels range from 0-80,000 AU/ml – covering the spectrum from those who are unvaccinated through to those who have responded very well to the vaccine. With such specific numbers, it’s tempting to compare your results with other people.

‘For example, my IgG Covid-19 antibody result after two jabs is 11,728 AU/mL. That’s a good result and shows I have developed antibodies after my vaccines. Not everyone does. However, it’s not the winning score at the LML offices ­ – a colleague was very quick to let me know of his score of 30,238 AU/mL.

‘To our surprise, staff at many of the companies that use our antibody level tests have also started their own antibody level leagues. Of course, the data is entirely private and secure, but some of the more competitive employees at various companies have chosen to share their numbers in their bids to become top scorers.

‘Individual scores vary significantly. Anything over 50AU/mL counts as a positive test, but that level may not give great protection. That underscores a serious point behind this latest office fad. There’s wide variation in antibody levels among the population, and that’s a fact that has not been fully considered when introducing the ending of restrictions on 19 July.

‘LML’s latest White Paper, “Has your vaccine worked? Are you immune to Covid-19?”, reveals that 1 in 100 vaccinated people fail to develop antibodies. That’s why these tests can play a key role in getting people back to work safely. They assess the body’s response to the spike protein on the outside of the virus, which is the main protein associated with the body mounting an immune response to the virus.

‘These latest tests use a finger-prick blood sample that people can take in the comfort of their own homes. The sample is then returned to the lab in a supplied envelope. Whether you are an employer wanting to ensure staff safety or simply someone who wants to know if you have developed antibodies, the new generation tests are highly accurate, quick and simple to carry out.

‘Don’t blame London Medical Laboratory if you and your colleagues start to compete over who has developed the highest antibody score. In these uncertain times, it can offer much-needed reassurance.

'For the latest information about the level of protection vaccinations offer against Covid-19, see London Medical Laboratory’s new White Paper at: https://www.privatecoronavirustests.com/page/vaccine-immunity