Refunding for Sars-CoV-2 antibodies

As of today, we can determine the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in our laboratory in patients with suspected COVID-19 infections. The test involves a determination of total antibodies which become positive in approximately 95% of symptomatic individuals within 14 days of exposure.

The sensitivity of this test in patients without or with mild symptoms is currently poorly documented.

The correlation between antibody levels and protection against reinfection with the disease is currently unknown.

Since the test is not designated as a primary diagnostic test for acute illness, the NIHDI has in the meantime set the necessary conditions for reimbursement.

The conditions for reimbursement applied by the NIHDI are the following:

  1. Inpatients with possible COVID AND CT suggestive but PCR negative, MINIMUM 7 days after onset of symptoms.
  2. Patients with prolonged clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 with negative PCR or who were not tested within 7 days of symptom onset, MINIMUM 14 days of symptom onset.
  3. As part of the differential diagnosis in an atypical clinical presentation, MINIMUM 14 days after onset of symptoms.
  4. In the context of local risk management: serology testing of healthcare personnel and staff in the hospitals/services or collectivities at high risk of exposure to COVID-19

In order to meet the requirements set by the NIHDI, it is necessary to explicitly mention which target group and indication the patient belongs to.
If the analysis is requested without reimbursement by the NIHDI or without mentioning the indication, it will be charged to the patient at € 9.60. Please inform the patient of this.

The test canbe charged up to 2 times per 6-month period to the same patient.

The test only requires serum and this analysis will be performed daily during the week.

If you have any questions about this, you can always contact one of the clinical biologists.

With collegial regards,

The clinical biologists