What Is The COVID-19 Antibody Test?
COVID-19Common questionWhat is the COVID-19 antibody test?An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by the immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus. Antibodies can help fight infections. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks after recovery. Because of this, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active coronavirus infection. At this time, researchers do not know if t
How long after getting infected will COVID-19 antibodies show up in the test?
An antibody test may not show if you have a current infection because it can take 1–3 weeks after the infection for your body to make antibodies.
Test for Past Infection
What does a negative antibody test for COVID-19 mean?
A negative result on a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test means antibodies to the virus were not detected in your sample. It could mean: You have not been infected with COVID-19 previously. You had COVID-19 in the past but you did not develop or have not yet developed detectable antibodies.
Antibody (Serology) Testing for COVID-19: Information for Patients and Consumers | FDA
What is the purpose of COVID-19 antibody tests?
Antibody tests can play an important role in identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and may have developed an adaptive immune response. However, antibody tests should not be used at this time to determine immunity or protection against COVID-19 at any time, and especially after a person has received a COVID-19 vaccination.
FDA In Brief: FDA Advises Against Use of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test Results to Evaluate Immunity or Protection From COVID-19, Including After Vaccination | FDA
Where can I get an antibody or a diagnostic test for COVID-19?
Antibody and diagnostic tests are available by prescription from a health care provider and may be available at local health care facilities and testing centers. Contact your health care provider or your local or state health department for more information.
Antibody (Serology) Testing for COVID-19: Information for Patients and Consumers | FDA