COVID IgG Antibody Test

What is a COVID-19 IgG antibody test and why would I want one?

A COVID-19 IgG antibody test looks for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. This test indicates if you had COVID-19 in the past. A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. Results are available in 1 to 4 days. This test is most accurate when at least 14 days have passed since you had symptoms. The test is also good to check your immune status after the COVID-19 vaccine or a past COVID infection.

Antibody testing is used to determine:

• If you previously had a COVID-19 / coronavirus infection
• If you may have been previously exposed to COVID-19 / coronavirus
• If you were possibly an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19 / coronavirus
• Antibody levels after a COVID-19 infection or a COVID-19 vaccine

Who may benefit from antibody testing?

• A person who would like to know if they have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
• A person who has recovered from a COVID-19-like illness in the past who would like to know if the illness was possibly from SARS-CoV-2
• A person who has a close contact that finds out they had COVID-19 in the past
• A person participating in research scientists are doing to better understand SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and their role in immunity to COVID-19
• A person participating with a medical facility collecting convalescent plasma with antibodies from people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection

What do my antibody test results mean for me?

Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude COVID-19 infection, or to inform infection status.

Positive antibody results:

• A positive antibody test result indicates you likely had a COVID-19 infection.
• There is also a possibility of a false positive if it’s unlikely you had COVID-19 based on your exposure history or symptoms.

Negative antibody results:

• A negative antibody test result indicates you likely never had (or have not yet developed antibodies to) a COVID-19 infection.
• Negative test results do not rule out COVID-19 infection, particularly if you have been in contact with the virus.
• Viral testing should be considered to rule out infection in negative individuals who have been in contact with the virus. Ask your healthcare provider about this test.