TEST TO DETECT MEMORY T CELLS

There are two kinds of adaptive immunity for COVID-19: humoral and cellular immunity. Cellular immunity and its persistence are important in the defence against the disease. Whilst antibodies tend to disappear months after infection, cellular immunity may persist and protect for years.

Cellular immunity is mediated by TCD4+ lymphocytes which activate B lymphocytes when in contact with the virus, producing antibodies and cytotoxic TCD8+ lymphocytes which remove infected cells.

Specific lymphocyte analysis against SARS-CoV-2 is advisable in the following cases:

• People who have had the infection and whose antibody level has significantly decreased.
• People with immunodeficiencies:

o   Primary immunodeficiencies

o  Transplant immunodeficiencies

o   Patients undergoing cancer treatment

o   Patients undergoing biological treatments

• Vaccinated people who show low antibody production
• Difference between immunity due to vaccination and due to infection
• Persistent symptoms
• Clinical studies 

At least 4 weeks must have passed to carry out the analysis after illness or vaccination (second dose).

The analysis offered by Analiza consists of identifying B, TCD4+ and TCD8+ lymphocytes against SARS-CoV-2. The lymphocytes from the patient are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 specific proteins and peptides and after being cultivated for several days, the lymphocyte activation is analysed by flow cytometry.

To carry out this test, it is necessary to take the following requirements into account:

• It is essential to make a prior appointment to take the sample by emailing [email protected]
• It is not necessary to fast beforehand.
• Immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids with more than 10mg/day of prednisone (or equivalent) may reduce the test’s sensitivity.
• The response time is: 15 days from taking the sample  

 For more information, you can consult: Test to detect the response of memory T cells

Voucher: In order to be able to redeem the online purchase, it is essential to show the voucher in order to carry out the test. Each voucher corresponds to an order number which can only be redeemed once. No additional amount has to be paid to receive the service.

The voucher should be used in the 30 days following its purchase.