Health boards have been advised not to offer on-demand antibody testing as Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer warns people should not assume they are immune to a second infection of covid-19.

Antibody tests for coronavirus are to be used ‘to improve understanding’ of the virus, Scotland’s health boards have been told, while there remains ‘insufficient evidence’ over whether it is possible to be re-infected.

Produced by the body in response to an infection, the presence of antibodies is normally an indication of levels of immunity built up after fighting off a virus.

But Dr Gregor Smith, interim Chief Medical Officer (CMO), says the ‘only clinically safe option’ is to assume no meaningful immunity after a positive anti-body test until further evidence shows otherwise.

So far in Scotland, 4,431 antibody tests have been completed to provide more general population-level information on covid-19.

“Having assessed the research available, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to absolutely conclude that people who have recovered from covid-19 are protected from either a second infection or from infecting others,” Dr Smith said.

"Until such evidence exists the main public health benefits are for research purposes or in the clinical management of patients.

“The World Health Organisation and SAGE have warned there are potentially negative impacts on public health if individuals assume immunity from a positive result and adapt their behaviour in a way which could increase the risk of continued transmission.”   

He added: “On this basis, advice to health boards is not to offer on-demand antibody testing.

“Our approach is being kept under ongoing review. If clinical evidence around immunity changes we will swiftly roll out a national antibody testing programme in order to realise the potential health, social and economic benefits this would offer, and are preparing now for that prospect.”

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