Transplant: No or Few Antibodies after COVID Vaccination

I should have mentioned that. The note happened to come on the day before 5 months from my last shot. So I’m all boosted. Praying for an end to this pandemic.

Yes! I think we are all praying for an end to this. Stay safe!

Does anybody know what >80 RLU means? The test is COVID-19 AB, SEMI-QT, TOTAL >80 RLU

I had blood draw yesterday for Total antibodies - I do not understand the results
Anti-nucleocapsid antibody is Negative.
Anti-spike antibody is Positive
I have had all 4 shots. Is this good/bad etc.. Thank You for your input

Hi @pinkpam, you'll see that I moved your question to this discussion talking about antibodies after vaccination for transplant recipients.

May I ask who ordered the antibody test? Have you been able to review the results with the ordering doctor?

Hi @pinkpam Antibody tests can be so confusing, can’t they?

I found a site for you which has a pretty good explanation for your test results.
In a nutshell: Anti-nucleocapsid test shows shows whether or not you’ve had Covid and have a natural immunity. In your case your results show a negative for having contracted Covid and produced no natural immunity.

Your anti-spike is showing positive. This means your immune system, through acquired immunity from the vaccination, had a response to the vaccinations and may offer some protection should you be exposed to the virus in the future. The goal of the vaccine is to prime your immune system to launch a defense response if you are exposed.

However, at this time, there really isn’t a known quantity for what a body’s level should be to protect against the specific virus. So a positive score can be a little misleading. The immune system has multiple layers of protection. There is also the level of T and B cell response that is not known either. So you may see a low score with your anti spike but your B and T cells could be at a higher level of defense readiness.
https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/antibody-tests-explained
It’s encouraging in the respect that you have a positive reading, but because you’re immunocompromised you won’t have as robust of a level of response as someone who isn’t. As a transplant patient you’ll still need to exercise some precautions to avoid exposure.

Have you talked to your health care provider about the results?

I have not talked to my home Nephro about the results yet - Just strange that out of the blue he asks for it. I will talk to him about the results when he comes up for air 🙂 But I did not want to wait so I asked here . Hubby and I continue to all precautions despite of the community not doing so. Thank You so much for this info. now I can sleep a little better zzzzz

@pinkpam, I hope you got a good night's sleep after reading the information that Lori shared!
Like you and your husband, I also continue to take precautions. My husband and I made the commitment 13 years ago when I got my life saving transplant from an anonymous deceased donor, that we would make it our top priority to honor my donor by taking care of it. We are fortunate to have friends and family who understand and support our concerns. I support you and your husband for your ongoing efforts.
Now to get back on the topic. You say that your nephrologist aske for you to get this test out of the blue and I can understand your surprise. I have not been tested and no one has ever suggested it. After you see your doctor, would you let us know why he/she wanted you to get tested?

I'll do my best to remember - This 'ole brain has a lot to remember. xplant drugs, diabetic, eyes, ears feet blah, blah ~ All good tho'. 23 yrs and I'm beyond blessed. Have nice day 🙂

Dr.'s office finally called back - said that I have great protection from the CO-VID virus and I do not need to wear a mask. Nice to know my body has the extra protection. but I will still mask up 😃