This blood test checks for a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG) that is the result of past or recent exposure to COVID-19. (this is not a test for an active infection). The human body produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus. It usually takes around 10 to 18 days to produce enough antibodies to be detected in the blood. Currently, the FDA supports antibody testing with the following important points:

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• Right now, it is unclear whether these individuals may be less susceptible to infection, but in the future, broad use of antibody tests and clinical follow-up will provide more information on this point

• Experience with other viruses suggests that individuals who have antibodies, provided they are recovered and not currently infected with the virus, may be able to resume work and other daily activities in society

• If you were never diagnosed with COVID-19, this test can help determine if you may have been previously exposed to the virus.

• If you were diagnosed with COVID-19, this test can check whether or not your body has produced antibodies.

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This test may be helpful if you: 

• Have had a positive test for COVID-19 and it has been at least 7 days and you want to know if you have detectable levels of IgG antibodies

• Have not experienced a fever or felt feverish in the last 3 days

• Have not experienced new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 10 days: loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feeling weak or lethargic, lightheadedness or dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, and/or seizures

 

This test may NOT be helpful if you are: 

• Feeling sick or have had a fever within the last 3 full days, please contact a healthcare provider.

• Trying to diagnose COVID-19, please contact a healthcare provider

• Less than 7 days since being tested for and diagnosed with COVID-19

• Directly exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days

• A person with a compromised immune system, a condition that makes it difficult to fight infections

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Note: This test can sometimes detect antibodies from other coronaviruses, which can cause a false positive result if you have been previously diagnosed with or exposed to other types of coronaviruses. Additionally, if you test too soon, your body may not have produced enough IgG antibodies to be detected by the test yet, which can lead to a false negative result.

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