COVID-19 Antibody Test
Detect antibodies your immune system has produced in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus
About This Test
The COVID-19 Antibody Test is designed to detect antibodies (immunoglobulins) that your immune system has produced in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These antibodies may remain in your blood for several months or more after infection.
This test can help determine if you've previously been infected with COVID-19, even if you were asymptomatic. However, it is not used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection.
Why Get Tested?
You might consider getting a COVID-19 antibody test if:
- You want to know if you've been exposed to COVID-19 in the past
- You had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 but never got tested
- You want to confirm your body's immune response after vaccination (though results vary)
- You're participating in research studies related to COVID-19
Note that this test is not meant to diagnose a current infection and should not be used as the sole basis for making infection prevention decisions.
What to Expect
The COVID-19 Antibody Test is a simple blood test that requires only a small sample of blood, typically drawn from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The procedure takes less than five minutes and most people feel only a slight pinch when the needle is inserted.
There's no special preparation needed for this test, and you don't need to fast beforehand.
Results are usually available within 24-48 hours and will be reviewed by our healthcare professionals who can explain what they mean for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the antibody test is not designed to detect current infections. It only identifies antibodies that developed in response to a past infection or vaccination. If you suspect you currently have COVID-19, you should get a viral test (PCR or antigen test).
Antibodies typically develop within 1-3 weeks after infection or vaccination. They may remain detectable for several months or longer, though the duration varies among individuals.
While antibodies may provide some protection, a positive test does not guarantee immunity or protection from reinfection. The level of protection and how long it lasts are still being studied, especially with new variants emerging.
Antibody tests are not currently recommended as a way to assess immunity after vaccination. These tests may not detect all types of antibodies produced in response to vaccination, and the level of antibodies needed for protection is not yet known.
IgM antibodies usually develop early in an infection and may not last long, while IgG antibodies usually develop later and last longer. Our test detects both types to provide a more complete picture of your immune response.