COVID-19 Serology (Antibody) Testing
for Exposure to SARS-CoV-2
Serology (Antibody) Testing
What is coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease (also called COVID-19) is a serious respiratory illness. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus), one of the most recently discovered types of coronaviruses. It was first identified in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 and has spread globally, becoming a worldwide pandemic. Those who have this disease may or may not experience symptoms, which range from mild to severe.
What is a serology test?
This serology test checks for a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG). If you’ve been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, 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 with SARS CoV-2. If you suspect you have COVID-19, follow up with your healthcare provider about getting a molecular (PCR) test.
Who should get tested?
This test may be right for you if you:
Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it has been at least 7 days, and you want to know if you have IgG antibodies.
Have not had symptoms and have not had a known exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within the last 7 days, but want to see if you have IgG antibodies.
Have had or suspect you’ve had COVID-19, but have not experienced a fever in the past 3 days.
Have had or suspect you’ve had COVID-19, but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 7 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).
Who should NOT get tested?
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 7 days ago.
Were directly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the past 14 days.
Have a condition that weakens your immune system.
What will test results tell me?
Your test results may help identify if you were exposed to the virus and, if so, whether or not your body has these antibodies. 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 SARS-CoV-2 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 IgG antibody tests?
It usually takes around 10 to 18 days after being infected with SARS-CoV-2 for your body to produce enough antibodies for detection in the blood. Getting an IgG antibody test too soon after being infected may cause a negative result that is false (false negative). Additionally, IgG antibody tests may detect IgG antibodies from previous exposure to coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2. This can cause a positive result that is false (false positive). There is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have IgG antibodies are protected against future SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Are there any risks involved in getting this test?
There is no risk involved in getting this test. The test is conducted by collecting a blood sample.
How does one prepare for this test?
You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test. Further instructions will be provided to you when ordering.
For additional information about COVID-19 testing, see our FAQs.
Where can I get more information about serology testing?
For additional information about serology testing, visit the FDA's website or the CDC's website.
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