What is the COVID-19 antibody test?
The COVID-19 test checks for a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG). If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, your body produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus. This COVID-19 antibody test cannot tell you if you have an active infection. If you suspect you have COVID-19, follow up with your healthcare provider about getting additional testing.
Who should get this COVID-19 antibody test?
This COVID-19 test might be right for you if you:
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it has been at least 10 days since your diagnosis, and you want to know if you have IgG antibodies.
- Have not had symptoms and have not had a known exposure to COVID-19 within the last 10 days but want to see if you have IgG antibodies.
- Have had or suspect that you have had COVID-19 but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 10 days. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of smell or taste.
- Have had or suspect that you have had COVID-19 but have not experienced a fever in the past 3 days.
Who should not get a COVID-19 antibody test?
The COVID-19 test may not be right for you if you:
- Are feeling sick or have had a fever within the last 3 days.
- Are trying to diagnose COVID-19
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 less than 10 days ago.
- Were directly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the past 14 days.
- Have a condition that weakens your immune system.
What will a COVID-19 antibody test tell me?
This COVID-19 test may help identify if you were exposed to the virus and, if so, whether or not your body has IgG antibodies against COVID-19. Although having antibodies usually gives immunity from further infection, there is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have IgG antibodies are protected against future COVID-19 infections. Results from this test also will not provide any information on whether you can spread the virus to others. If you have questions about returning to work, contact your employer for guidance. Be sure to continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding social distancing and isolation.
Are there any limitations to COVID-19 antibody tests?
Getting a COVID-19 antibody test too soon after being infected may cause a false negative result. Additionally, some individuals who are infected with COVID-19 may not develop detectable levels of IgG antibodies, such as those with weakened immune systems due to a medical condition or certain medications. This COVID-19 test may detect IgG antibodies from previous exposure to coronaviruses other than COVID-19, which can cause a false positive result. There is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have IgG antibodies are protected against future SARS-CoV-2 infections.
What guidance does the FDA provide regarding COVID-19 antibody testing?
COVID-19 antibody testing can play a critical role in the fight against COVID-19. It can help identify individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and have developed an immune response. Using antibody tests and clinical follow-up can also provide more information on immunity against COVID-19 for research and medical developments for the virus. Having antibodies usually gives immunity from further infection. However, there is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have these antibodies are protected against future COVID-19 infection. Experience with other viruses suggests that individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies may be able to resume work and other daily activities in society, as long as they are recovered and not currently infected with the virus
How do I prepare for this COVID-19 blood test?
You do not need to do anything to prepare for this COVID-19 test. You do not need to fast or stop taking any medications before testing.
What type of specimen will I submit?
This COVID-19 Antibody Test is a blood test.
Do I need to fast to take this test?
Fasting is not necessary.
How long does it take to get test results?
It typically takes 4 business days or less.