The Forbes article examines what the United States may learn from Italy, including their antibody testing throughout the re-opening period. Many businesses, both domestic and foreign, are vying for the greatest portion of the COVID-19 antibody testing market in Italy.
The World Health Organization advises that antibody testing may be of limited utility because it is still unclear how long antibody-induced immunity will persist or whether it will provide any protection at all.
“It is unclear if existing testing can distinguish between antibodies for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and antibodies for the previously circulating coronaviruses that cause the common cold,” Dr. Antonio Giordano added.
“It would be preferable to use the same serological test throughout the country, to get a clearer picture of the virus's spread throughout Italy,” Dr. Giordano added.
“The United States is a big nation, unlike Italy, with diverse temperatures and varied populations,” Dr. Giordano concludes. If each state adopts a separate exam, the states will be forced to assume responsibility for testing. The United States must find a means to standardize statistics across the country.”