COVID-19 antibody test

Our COVID-19 antibody test uses a blood sample to identify the presence of antibodies to the COVID-19 virus.

Antibodies are proteins produced during the body’s immune response to infection. If you have detectable antibody levels, it means you were likely exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the past.

Based on current research, most people will have detectable antibody levels by 14 days after infection, and levels are presumed to remain elevated for some time after the infection has resolved. It has not been determined how long antibodies to COVID-19 remain in the body.

what are COVID-19 antibody tests used for?

• Determining if you have been infected with COVID-19 in the past, and have produced antibodies in response.
• It is not clear at this time if having antibodies to COVID-19 means you are protected against future infection. Whether or not COVID-19 antibodies offer protection from future infection is currently being studied.
• Antibody tests may help identify individuals who did not have symptoms or were not diagnosed with COVID-19, but want to see if they have antibodies.
• Antibody testing is being used for surveillance studies, to determine how many people are infected in an area, and how that is changing over time.

who should be tested?

This test may be right for you if you:

• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it has been at least 14 days, and you want to know if you have antibodies.
• Have not had symptoms and have not had a known exposure to COVID-19 within the last 14 days, but want to see if you have antibodies.
• Have had or suspect you’ve had COVID-19 but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 14 days.

This 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 14 days ago.
• Were directly exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
• Have a condition that weakens your immune system.

what will my test results tell me?

This test may help identify if you were exposed to COVID-19 in the past and whether or not you have produced antibodies. For many viruses, detectable antibodies indicate some level of immunity. However, it is still unclear if antibodies to COVID-19 protect against future infection.

Detectable antibody levels alone do not indicate that you cannot spread COVID-19. Be sure to continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding social distancing and isolation.

are there any limitations to antibody tests?

Getting an antibody test too soon after being infected may cause a false negative result. Based on the most current research, antibodies develop about 10-18 days after infection from COVID-19.

Some individuals who are infected with COVID-19 may not develop detectable levels of antibodies, such as those with weakened immune systems due to a medical condition or certain medications.

This test may detect antibodies from previous exposure to coronaviruses other than COVID-19, which can cause a false positive result.

what guidance does the FDA provide regarding COVID-19 antibody testing?

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.

Although there are currently no FDA approved COVID-19 antibody tests, this test has received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA.