COVID-19 Antibody Test
COVID-19 Antibody Test
Serology testing for SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM)
Qualitative detection of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to help identify individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Serologic results should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. This test is recommended in individuals at least 10 days post symptom onset or following exposure to individuals with confirmed COVID-19.
About the Test
- COVID-19 IgG antibody testing, also known as serology testing, checks for a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG).
- If you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, your body typically produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus.
- It can take at least two weeks after exposure to develop antibodies.
- This type of COVID-19 test is for individuals who think they may have had COVID-19 and do not currently have symptoms.
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This test is not an at-home test.
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This test does not tell you if you have an active COVID-19 infection.
If I get tested, what will the results tell me?
Your test results may help identify if you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and, if so, whether or not your body has developed antibodies. Although having antibodies usually gives immunity from further infection, there is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are protected against future infections from the virus. Results from this test also will not provide information on whether you can spread the virus to others and is not used as a basis for diagnosis.
A variety of factors can impact the results from the antibody test including the time the test was taken after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, the absence of or time since exposure to the virus, or the lack of an adequate immune response, which can be due to conditions or treatments that suppress immune function.
Additionally, serology (antibody) tests may detect IgG antibodies from previous exposure to coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This can cause a false positive result.
Should I Get Tested?
This test may be right for you if you:
- Are not experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19; information about COVID-19 symptoms can be found on the CDC website.
- Have not experienced a fever in the past 3 days.
- Have had or suspect you have had COVID-19, but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 10 days (these symptoms include loss of smell or taste, difficulty breathing, feeling weak or lethargic, lightheadedness or dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, and/or seizures).
This test is only available for persons 18 years of age or older.
Antibody tests may not be able to show if you have been exposed to COVID-19 because it can take at least two weeks after exposure to develop antibodies.
This test may NOT be right for you if you:
- Are feeling sick or have had a fever within the last 3 days.
- Want to understand if you currently have COVID-19.
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 less than 10 days ago.
- Were directly exposed to the virus in the past 14 days.
- Have a condition that weakens your immune system.
This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. This test has been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b) (1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. This test has been authorized only for detecting the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
∗Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals.
∗Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
∗Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.