What are T cells?
T cells are an essential part of our immune system. T cells orchestrate the entire immune response and decide how to fight viruses or bacteria. The T cells help the B cells that make antibodies. A T-cell determines the type of antibody to be formed and when to make it.
Read more about T-cells and Book your time for T-Cell tests here.
Below we list common questions and answers about T cells and T cell tests.
Why take a T cell test against Covid-19?
A T-cell test against Covid-19 is taken to check if you have had the virus before.
T-cell tests can also be taken after vaccination to ensure that the vaccination has worked.
What does the answer of a T-cell test show?
A positive T-cell test against Covid-19 means you have a defence against Covid-19.
This does not mean that you are protected against being exposed to the virus again, but the immune system will react much faster, and thus you will not be as ill.
How and where can you make an appointment for a T-cell test?
To book a test, go to our section for booking T-Cell tests here.
What is the difference between an antibody test and a T cell test?
In a T-cell test, you check if there is an immunological memory. An antibody test looks at whether B cells have produced immunoglobulins or antibodies that can neutralize the virus as it enters the body.
If you have antibodies verified, you do not need to take a T-cell test because there is a T-cell behind the antibody.
How is the sampling carried out?
The patient takes a blood sample that is sent to the lab. During the lab analysis, the T cells are purified from the blood. They are then placed in a plate together with peptides from SARS-CoV 2. The T cells that react against these peptides are measured during the analysis.
How long does the lab analysis take?
The lab analysis takes three days from when the sample arrives at the lab.
How safe is the test?
It is a very safe test that uses Mabtech's CE marked test kit.
Am I immune?
Becoming immune is a careless expression of the body forming a T-cell memory, or so-called immunological memory of a disease. Suppose you have been detected with a SARS-CoV-2 B-T cell test. In that case, this means that you will very quickly get a robust immune response in the event of a re-infection with the same virus. This means that you may not feel that you have the virus or have mild symptoms, such as a sore throat or cough, but you will probably not get seriously ill.
Can I have this registered in my vaccine passport to avoid PCR testing when travelling?
Should you want a certificate based on your test result, you can ask customer service for help and receive a certificate signed by a doctor. At present, this is not possible. Please note that an additional cost will be added. For prices, see the price list here. prislista här.
I have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccinations but got a negative test result.
What does this mean? Did the vaccine not work?
After being vaccinated with both doses, T cells are formed in the body, but that immune response usually takes about 3-4 weeks. You can already get a small number of T cells 2-3 weeks after the first dose, but not enough to be able to read from a venous T cell test. Some factors negatively affect a T cell response, e.g. old age, multi-disease, kidney failure, nutritional status, etc.
Can I live as usual?
You are recommended to continue to follow current rules of conduct and restrictions per the Swedish Public Health Agency's recommendations.
Can I get infected and infect others?
Yes, you can be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus again; however, the infection becomes asymptomatic or mild due to the robust immune response that occurs. Initially, before the immune response is initiated, you can thus also infect others. Hence the importance of following current rules of conduct and restrictions.
Do I have to do a PCR test when I travel abroad?
Because you can still get an infection from SARS-CoV-2, you currently need to PCR test before travelling based on individual countries' requirements.
Can I use a T-cell certificate to enter a country that requires a travel certificate?
At present, no country accepts a T-cell certificate as a valid travel certificate. Different countries have different rules of conduct. You must find out what kind of certificate you need to travel into that particular country.