COVID-19 Antibody Test
Detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 to determine if you've previously been infected with COVID-19, with no doctor visit required.
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What this test measures
The COVID-19 antibody test measures antibodies in the blood that are produced by the immune system in response to a previous infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. When individuals are exposed to this virus, their immune system typically creates antibodies as part of the body's natural defense mechanism. These antibodies are proteins that can help identify and neutralize the virus if encountered again. Antibodies: including IgM, IgG, and IgA: against the virus and its components can be detected in serum within 1-3 weeks after infection, with 100% of patients testing positive for antiviral immunoglobulin-G (IgG) within 19 days after symptom onset.
This test specifically detects antibodies to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which is the part of the virus that allows it to enter human cells. Testing positive for antibody against the spike protein indicates prior infection, though it can also indicate vaccination since current vaccines distributed in the United States induce antibodies to S protein. The presence of these antibodies suggests that the immune system has encountered the virus and mounted a response, though at this time, SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests do not tell you if you have immunity that will prevent you from getting COVID-19, and it is not certain if having these antibodies means that you are protected from future infections.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals who suspect they may have had COVID-19 in the past but were never tested or received inconclusive results
- Those who experienced symptoms consistent with COVID-19 weeks or months ago and want to confirm a previous infection
- People who were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and want to determine if they contracted the virus
- Healthcare workers or essential workers who want to know their infection history for occupational health purposes
- Individuals participating in research studies or workplace screening programs that require antibody testing
- Those with persistent symptoms that may be related to a previous COVID-19 infection (sometimes called "long COVID")
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. Individuals do not need to fast or stop taking any medications. The test can be taken at any time of day.
Sample Type
A blood sample is collected through a standard blood draw from a vein in the arm, similar to other routine blood tests.
Collection
At the lab, a trained phlebotomist will clean the injection site, insert a small needle into a vein, and collect the blood sample in a specialized tube. The process typically takes just a few minutes.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
Understanding your results
COVID-19 antibody test results indicate whether antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the blood sample. A negative result means antibodies to the virus were not detected in your blood, while a positive result suggests the presence of antibodies. However, interpreting these results requires understanding several important factors, including timing of potential infection, vaccination status, and the limitations of antibody testing. Because it takes 1 to 3 weeks for antibodies to show up, the test results depend on when you have the test, and it takes one to three weeks after an infection for antibodies to be detectable.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Results are typically reported as positive/reactive or negative/non-reactive | Semi-quantitative tests may also provide numerical values, but specific ranges vary by laboratory and test methodology |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
A negative (non-reactive) result means that antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were not detected in the blood sample. A negative result suggests that you haven't had a recent COVID-19 infection, however, it doesn't prove that there has been no prior or current infection. Several factors can lead to a negative result: if you have recently been infected with COVID-19, antibodies may not yet be present; some people infected with COVID-19 do not develop enough antibodies to be detected; or if infection occurred a long time ago, there may not be enough antibodies to detect. Antibodies could be present at levels below the test's threshold for detection. A negative result does not rule out the possibility of past or current infection with SARS-CoV-2.
What does a “High” result mean?
A positive (reactive) result indicates that antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the blood. A positive antibody test result could mean you previously had a SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19, or could also mean the test is detecting antibodies in response to your COVID-19 vaccine. The test may have found antibodies from a previous COVID-19 infection, from a related coronavirus infection, or from having received a COVID-19 vaccine. However, it's important to note that a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody test does not necessarily mean you are immune or have immunity that will prevent COVID-19, and a positive result does not mean that you are immune to COVID-19. The test cannot determine current infection status and should not be used for diagnosing active COVID-19.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Your COVID-19 antibody test results are completely confidential and private. Unlike tests ordered by your doctor, these results are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> or healthcare provider unless you choose to share them. The results are <u>not part of your medical records</u> and will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanation of benefits (EOB) forms. Your employer, insurance company, or government agencies will not have access to your test results. This privacy protection allows individuals to get important health information about their COVID-19 exposure history without concerns about how the results might be used by others. You have complete control over who sees your results and how you use this information for your health decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Related tests
CPT Code: 86769
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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Not sure if this is the right test? Contact our care team for guidance.