What is a COVID-19 antibody test?

This 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 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 a PCR test.

Is this COVID-19 antibody test qualitative or quantitative?

SARS-CoV-2 Serology (COVID-19) Antibody (IgG), Immunoassay test is a qualitative test to detect IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your blood. IgG antibody testing should be performed to help identify people who may have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and may indicate prior infection which may be resolved or is still resolving, and/or protection against re-infection (“protective immunity

Who should get a COVID-19 antibody test?

This test may 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 you’ve had COVID-19 but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 10 days (these symptoms include cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or loss of smell or taste).

• Have had or suspect you’ve had COVID-19 but have not experienced a fever in the past 3 days.

Who should not get a COVID-19 antibody test?

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 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 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 an 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. IgG antibody This 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.

How is a COVID-19 antibody test performed? 

The test is conducted by collecting a blood sample.

How do I prepare for the test?

You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test. You do not need to fast or stop taking any medications before testing. Further instructions will be provided to you at the lab or in your test kit.

How is a COVID-19 antibody test performed?

This test is conducted by collecting a blood sample (such as from a finger prick or needle draw).

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. Experience with other viruses suggests that individuals who have 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. 

For additional information about COVID-19 testing,  see our FAQs or visit the PWNHealth website.

Is this COVID-19 serology test approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA?

The United States FDA has made this test available under an emergency access mechanism called an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The EUA is supported by the Secretary of Health and Human Service’sv (HHS’s) declaration that circumstances exist to justify the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) for the detection and/or diagnosis of the virus that causes COVID-19. 

What is the sensitivity and specificity of this COVID-19 antibody test?

Where can I get more information

For additional information about antibody testing, visit the FDA website or the CDC website. For additional information about COVID-19, see our FAQs or visit the PWNHealth website.

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. 

If your test results are abnormal, PWNHealth’s Care Coordination Team may attempt to contact you to notify you of your results and schedule a telehealth consult with a physician or other healthcare provider. 

After you receive your results, you will have an opportunity to have a telehealth consult with an independent licensed physician or other healthcare provider from PWNHealth, who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps. 

IMPORTANT - If you feel like you are having a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1. If you are experiencing severe trouble breathing, continuous pain or pressure in your chest, feeling confused or having difficulty waking up, blue-colored lips or face, or any other emergency signs or symptoms, please seek immediate medical care.