Although It may take up to 14 days after the onset of symptoms for antibodies to be developed within the body, 91% of people develop such antibodies within the first 8-13 days. Some people infected with COVID-19 will never exhibit symptoms but will have a detectable antibody response. While there is belief that the presence of antibodies may provide immunity to future infections, there is not yet enough data to state this conclusively. 

Who should get the test?

All interested persons who have had NO COVID-19 related symptoms for the last 10 days are good candidates for this test.

Patients with any active COVID-19 related symptoms (fever over 100.3°F, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath) should not purchase this test and instead contact their primary care physician or a local hospital for a COVID-19 diagnostic test.

To protect laboratory staff, please remember to wear either a face mask or some other form of face covering, like a scarf, when arriving at the laboratory. Please also refrain from visiting the laboratory if you have had symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days as you may still be contagious.

This is an antibody test used to detect the presence of antibodies, not to diagnose active infections. 

Can I order this COVID-19 test in bulk for my workforce?

LabReqs.com can arrange bulk COVID-19 antibody testing for a workforce. Please email sales@labreqs.com for details.

Is this a swab or blood test?

This test requires a blood draw because it detects IgG antibodies in the blood. Antibodies in the blood indicates a previous exposure to COVID-19. It takes up to 14 days after exposure for antibodies to be developed within the blood. Blood draws take place at Quest Patient service centers only. 

Is this FDA approved testing

 

This testing service is based on a newly released test system from Abbott. A complete independent validation study has been performed on this test. This test can aid in detecting the presence of immunoglobulin class G (IgG). Although IgG antibody response typically develops within 14 days after onset of symptoms, 91% of people develop antibodies within 8-13 days. Some people infected with COVID-19 will never exhibit symptoms.

The Abbott tests are marketed under FDA's Policy for Diagnostic Tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019. Abbott plans to submit for FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Results signify that antibodies are present, but protective immunity based on these results has yet to be established in clinical trials. Antibody tests by themselves are of limited value in the immediate diagnosis of a patient where COVID-19 infection is suspected.

This test has not been Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared or approved but has been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This test has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.

 Fact sheet about test

What is antibody testing?

This serology blood test identifies the presence of antibodies which indicates that a person had an immune response to COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2). A positive result to this antibody (IgG) test indicates that you may have had a previous exposure to COVID-19 and your body has developed antibodies.

 

FDA has indicated, antibody testing has the potential to help healthcare professionals identify people who have been exposed to COVID-19 and who have developed an immune response.  In addition, FDA has indicated that antibody testing can help identify those who could contribute a part of their blood, called convalescent plasma, which may provide an avenue for possible treatment for those who are seriously ill from the coronavirus."

If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 such as a fever of over 100.3°F or a dry cough, you will not be able to enter the laboratory. This is an antibody test used to detect the presence of antibodies, not to diagnose active infections.

LabReqs.com urges you to follow up with your primary care physician or a local hospital for a COVID-19 diagnostic test if you believe you may have an active infection. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please call 911.

Not available in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Maryland.  Must be 18 and older.  

 LabCorp locations only.