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What is a semi-quantitative COVID-19 antibody test?
This test checks for antibodies to COVID-19. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or vaccinated, your body produces antibodies as part of your immune response. The test provides a numerical value that indicates whether or not you may have antibodies to COVID-19.
Who should get a COVID-19 antibody test?
This test may be right for you if you:
If you have been previously diagnosed or suspect you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, you should wait to get an antibody test until it has been at least 10 days after your symptoms started or after testing positive, you have not had a fever or felt feverish for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication, and any symptoms have improved. Current research shows that it may be best to get antibody testing 3 to 4 weeks after symptom onset or known exposure to COVID-19 to lower the chance of receiving a false-positive or false-negative result. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about whether or not you should get tested.
Who should not get a COVID-19 antibody test?
This test may NOT be right for you if you:
What will a COVID-19 antibody test tell me?
An antibody test will show whether or not you have developed antibodies to COVID-19 after exposure or vaccination. This test cannot tell you if you have an active infection. If you suspect you have COVID-19, follow up with your healthcare provider about getting a PCR test. This test should not be used to determine the level of immunity you have. You should contact your healthcare provider for additional guidance on how to interpret your test results. Regardless of your test results, it is important to continue to follow public health recommendations, such as vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks and face coverings, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine.
Are there any limitations to COVID-19 antibody tests?
False-negative results can sometimes occur. This can happen if you get an antibody test too soon after being exposed or vaccinated and your body has not yet made enough antibodies to be detected by the test. Additionally, some individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems due to a medical condition or certain medications, may not develop detectable levels of antibodies after exposure or vaccination.
False-positive results can also occur. This can happen if the test detects antibodies from other coronaviruses you may have been exposed to, like the virus that causes the common cold.
If you are concerned about your results, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider, who can evaluate your medical history.
What guidance does the FDA provide regarding COVID-19 antibody testing?
Antibody testing can play a critical role in the fight against COVID-19. It can help identify individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and have developed an immune response. Using antibody tests and clinical follow-up can also provide more information on immunity against COVID-19 for research and medical developments for the virus.
Having antibodies usually gives immunity from further infection. However, there is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have these antibodies are protected against future COVID-19 infection. Experience with other viruses suggests that individuals who have antibodies may be able to resume daily activities in society, as long as they are recovered and not currently infected with the virus.
How is a COVID-19 antibody test performed?
The test is conducted by collecting a blood sample.
How do I prepare for the test?
You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test. You do not need to fast or stop taking any medication before testing. Further instructions will be provided to you at the lab.
Is this COVID-19 antibody test qualitative or quantitative?
This test provides semi-quantitative results. The results will be a numerical value above or below 1.00.
What is the sensitivity and specificity of this COVID-19 antibody test?
The sensitivity of this test is 88% and the specificity is 99%.
Is this COVID-19 serology test approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA?
The COVID-19 antibody tests and molecular (PCR) tests have not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for this test.
Where can I get more information?
Please Note: The antibody tests and the molecular tests have not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What is coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease (also called COVID-19) is an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus), one of the most recently discovered types of coronaviruses. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Those who have this disease may or may not experience symptoms, which range from mild to severe.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads easily from person-to-person, even when an infected person is not showing symptoms. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets containing the virus go into the air. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, exposing them to the virus.
People may also be exposed to COVID-19 by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a surface with the virus on it. Although this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, researchers are still learning more about COVID-19.
Am I at risk of getting COVID-19?
COVID-19 is very contagious. The risk of getting COVID-19 depends on many factors, including close contact with people who have symptoms of COVID-19. It is important to follow your federal, state, and local government guidance to protect yourself from exposure.
How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19?
The best way to protect yourself is to avoid situations in which you may be exposed to the virus. Everyday actions can help protect you and prevent the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.
When should I seek medical care?
If you think you have been exposed, it is important to closely monitor for symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop severe symptoms, especially if you experience:
If you seek medical attention, be sure to call ahead before visiting the facility. This will help the facility keep other people from possibly getting infected or exposed.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.
It includes:
Social distancing is one of the best ways to avoid being exposed and to help slow the spread of the virus. It is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Be sure to continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding social distancing.
Should I self-quarantine or self-isolate? How does it work?
Regardless of vaccination status, those who have been infected with COVID-19 should isolate. They may be able to stop isolating once symptoms have improved, and it has been at least 5 days since symptoms first appeared. Some symptoms such as loss of taste or smell may last for weeks or months and should not delay ending isolation. Those who have never had symptoms may be able to stop isolating 10 days after testing. However, those who had a severe illness from COVID-19, or people with a weakened immune system, may need to isolate longer or may require testing to determine when they can be around others.
Those who are sick and suspect they have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results should also isolate.
Those who have been possibly exposed to COVID-19 do not need to quarantine. They should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5.
What’s the difference between quarantine and isolation?
Isolation and quarantine are both ways to limit your interaction with others to prevent the spread of disease.
For more information on self-isolation and self-quarantine, click here.
If you are a healthcare professional, first responder, frontline worker, or critical infrastructure worker and believe you have been directly exposed while at work, you should consult your place of work for specific occupational health guidance about whether to stay home or continue working. You should adhere to recommendations set forth by your employer or the department of health, as they may differ from the CDC’s guidelines.
If someone in my household has to quarantine, should I quarantine as well?
If someone in your household is told to quarantine because they’ve been exposed to COVID-19, you should quarantine as well. This is especially true if you’ve been in close contact with that person. It’s possible for you to have the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
You do not need to quarantine if you have had COVID-19 in the last three months, have recovered, and do not have symptoms. Additionally, you do not need to quarantine if you have been vaccinated, it’s been two weeks since your last dose, and you do not have symptoms. However, you should still monitor for symptoms for up to 14 days after your exposure.
If you have questions about whether or not you should quarantine, contact your healthcare provider.
Visit the CDC website for more information.
Is there a difference between stopping isolation vs. stopping quarantine?
Those who have been infected with COVID-19 should isolate. They may be able to stop isolating once symptoms have improved, and it has been at least 5 days since symptoms first appeared. Some symptoms such as loss of taste or smell may last for weeks or months and should not delay ending isolation. Those who have never had symptoms may be able to stop isolating 10 days after testing. However, those who had a severe illness from COVID-19, or people with a weakened immune system, may need to isolate longer or may require testing to determine when they can be around others.
Those who have been possibly exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine. Quarantine length will depend on if they are vaccinated and when they were vaccinated.
If the patient received a booster dose or completed the 2-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in the past 6 months, or if they received the J&J vaccine in the past 2 months, they should:
If the patient completed the 2-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago, or received the J&J vaccine over 2 months ago, and they have not yet received a booster dose or have never been vaccinated, they should:
Please note that it’s possible for a person diagnosed with COVID-19 to stop isolation before someone possibly exposed can stop quarantining.
Who should quarantine?
Anyone who may have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should quarantine.
Close contact includes:
Quarantine length will depend on if they are vaccinated and when they were vaccinated.
If the patient received a booster dose or completed the 2-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in the past 6 months, or if they received the J&J vaccine in the past 2 months, they should:
If the patient completed the 2-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago or received the J&J vaccine over 2 months ago, and they have not yet received a booster dose or have never been vaccinated, they should:
If I am fully vaccinated, do I still need to quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19?
If you received a booster dose or completed the 2-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in the past 6 months, or if you received the J&J vaccine in the past 2 months, you should:
If you completed the 2-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago, or received the J&J vaccine over 2 months ago, and you have not yet received a booster dose or have never been vaccinated, you should:
When can I stop in-home isolation?
If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19, please check with your primary healthcare provider or local health department to help determine when it’s right to stop isolation. You may be able to stop isolating once symptoms have improved, and it has been at least 5 days since symptoms first appeared. Some symptoms such as loss of taste or smell may last for weeks or months and should not delay ending isolation. Those who have never had symptoms may be able to stop isolating 10 days after testing. However, those who had a severe illness from COVID-19, or people with a weakened immune system, may need to isolate longer or may require testing to determine when they can be around others. Be sure to continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding social distancing and isolation. For more information, please visit the CDC website.
Can someone who has had COVID-19 become infected again?
Cases of reinfection have been reported but are rare. Reinfection occurs when a person gets sick, recovers, and then later becomes infected again. Whether an individual may be reinfected is still under investigation. A positive PCR test result during the 90 days after illness started is most likely from the initial infection rather than reinfection. Visit the CDC website for further information.
Can I still become infected with COVID-19 after I’ve been vaccinated?
It’s possible to become infected with COVID-19 after vaccination. This can be due to the timing of the vaccination and infection. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce antibodies. So it’s possible that a person could be infected with COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination, and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection. It’s important to note that no vaccines are 100% effective. There may be a small percentage of fully vaccinated people who still get sick with COVID-19, even after producing antibodies. However, evidence suggests that vaccination may make the illness less severe.
Should I be concerned about different variants of the virus that causes COVID-19?
Because viruses may change over time, there are now different variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. The new variants may spread more easily and quickly, which can lead to more COVID-19 cases. We are still learning more about these new variants. It is important to continue to follow public health recommendations, such as vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine, to limit the spread of COVID-19.
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval?
The FDA has the authority to grant Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to diagnostic tests that have not yet received formal approval in times of a public health emergency. The FDA has granted EUA for certain tests during the COVID-19 pandemic to help detect or diagnose COVID-19.
Like full FDA approval, EUA relies on strict standards. However, EUA is completed more quickly based on the limited data that is available, unlike full FDA approval.
For more information, please visit the FDA website.
What does “sensitivity” mean? What does “specificity” mean?
Sensitivity and specificity are different and complementary measures to inform doctors and patients about the accuracy of a test. A good test has both high sensitivity and high specificity.
Sensitivity is a measure of how well a test is able to detect people who are infected (positive cases). If a person has an infection, a test with 100% sensitivity can accurately detect it with a positive result.
Specificity is a measure of how well a test can detect people who are NOT infected (negative cases). If a person does not have an infection, a test with 100% specificity can accurately detect it with a negative result.
What are false positives and false negatives?
A positive result that is incorrect is called a false positive. False positives occur when a person tests positive even though they do not have the infection.
A negative result that is incorrect is called a false negative. False negatives occur when a person tests negative even though they do have the infection.
False negatives and positives can worsen the COVID-19 pandemic by providing false reassurance to those who have the infection or by causing those who do not have it to use critical resources.
Who is PWNHealth?
PWNHealth is an independent healthcare provider network that provides oversight services to you in connection with the laboratory testing that you have requested. PWNHealth and its services are independent of the laboratory and company from whom you requested and registered for the test and their services.
Where can I learn more about COVID-19?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
What is the purpose of COVID-19 antibody testing?
On an individual level, an antibody test looks for antibodies in the blood. Your immune system makes antibody proteins to help fight infections. If you were exposed to COVID-19, an antibody test will show whether or not you’ve developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. An antibody test cannot tell you whether you have a current COVID-19 infection.
On a population level, antibody testing can give researchers a sense of how many people have been exposed to and infected by COVID-19. In the future, antibody testing may show whether someone has immunity against COVID-19, meaning that they cannot get infected again. If antibodies make people immune to COVID-19, it can help inform leaders and public health officials about whether the population has reached herd immunity. Herd immunity is when a large percentage of a population has become immune to COVID-19, which can protect those people who are not immune.
What are the different types of antibodies? Do they offer different types of immunity?
There are three different types of antibodies: IgM, IgG, and IgA.
There is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have these antibodies are protected against future COVID-19 infections.
When do antibodies develop?
Based on the most current research, antibodies develop around 1-3 weeks after infection from COVID-19. However, this varies by individual, and some people may take a longer time to develop antibodies.
What is the chance that my COVID-19 antibody test result was a false positive?
False positives occur when a person tests positive even though they DO NOT have the antibodies for COVID-19. There is a small chance that the result could be a false positive. Manufacturers must demonstrate a high specificity of approximately 99% to 100% to ensure validation of their test. If you have additional questions, please contact the lab directly for more information.
Can antibody tests be used to diagnose a COVID-19 infection?
Antibody tests do not show whether a person is currently infected. A molecular (PCR) test is a more reliable indicator of current COVID-19 infection.
Antibody testing by itself should not be used to establish the presence or absence of COVID-19 infection or reinfection. Individuals might get tested too early before antibodies develop, and some individuals never develop detectable antibodies following infection. Additionally, having antibodies may indicate a previous infection and may be unrelated to the current illness.
Can I use a semi-quantitative COVID-19 antibody test to determine my level of immunity?
A semi-quantitative antibody test can help identify individuals who have developed an immune response after exposure to COVID-19 or vaccination. However, it should not be used to determine the level of immunity you have. However, evidence is still being collected to determine if antibodies provide protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) specifically. Follow up with your healthcare provider for additional guidance on how to interpret your test results.
Can I use a semi-quantitative COVID-19 antibody test to track my antibody levels over time?
This test provides a numerical value that helps determine whether or not you have antibodies at the time of testing. However, it is still unknown whether or not it is useful to track antibody levels over time. Follow up with your healthcare provider for additional guidance on how to interpret your test results.
Should I get an antibody test to check if I'm immune before or after a COVID-19 vaccination?
At this time there is no recommendation to get an antibody test to check your immune status. As your body develops an immune response from the vaccine, you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you may have been previously exposed to the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.
What is the difference between an antibody test and a PCR test?
An antibody test checks to see if you’ve developed antibodies against COVID-19, which occurs after being exposed to the virus. Antibody tests do not show whether a person is currently infected.
PCR tests check for genetic material (viral RNA) produced by the virus. It determines if you’re currently infected and can spread COVID-19 to others.
When would I get an antibody test vs. a PCR test?
You should get an antibody test to check if you’ve been previously exposed to COVID-19.
You should get a PCR test if you have symptoms of COVID-19, are a healthcare worker, or you live or work in a place where people reside, meet, or gather in close proximity. This can include homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, group homes, prisons, detention centers, schools, and workplaces.
A PCR test may also be helpful if you currently have symptoms of COVID-19 or want to check if you have the virus and can pass it on to others.
Can an antibody test be used together with a PCR test?
IgG antibody tests can complement PCR tests by providing information about exposure and how the immune system responds to COVID-19 infections.
If I’m having symptoms of COVID-19 or believe I’ve been exposed to it, what type of test should I get?
If you’re currently having symptoms of COVID-19 or have recently been exposed, you should get a PCR test to see if you’re currently infected.
My COVID-19 antibody test was positive, but I’m still having symptoms. What should I do?
If you’re having symptoms of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider or local health department to get tested for active infection. The antibody test can only tell you if you’ve been exposed and have developed an immune response, but it cannot say whether you have an active infection.
My COVID-19 antibody test was negative, but I previously tested positive for COVID-19 or was exposed. Is my result incorrect?
Getting an IgG antibody test too soon after being infected may cause a false-negative result. It usually takes around 1-3 weeks after being infected with COVID-19 for your body to produce enough IgG antibodies to be detected in the blood. Some people may take even longer to develop antibodies or may not develop enough antibodies to be detected by the test. It is recommended that you contact your healthcare provider or local health department to see if retesting is needed.
If my COVID-19 antibody test is positive, can I get sick again with COVID-19?
If your test results show that you're positive for COVID-19 antibodies in the blood, it means you've likely been exposed to COVID-19. Although having antibodies usually gives immunity from further infection, there is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have these antibodies are protected against future COVID-19 infections.
What does an indeterminate COVID-19 antibody test result mean?
If your test result is indeterminate for COVID-19 antibodies in the blood, this means that the results were neither positive nor negative. You will likely need to be retested in order to confirm whether or not you have antibodies in your blood. An indeterminate result can happen if you do not have enough antibodies in your blood for the test to detect, such as if you test too soon after becoming infected. This result can also happen if there was a problem with your sample or the test itself.
Can I have antibodies if I did not have any symptoms of COVID-19?
You can have IgG antibodies from an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. An asymptomatic infection is when you are infected but do not show any symptoms.
Can my antibody value change over time?
It usually takes 1-3 weeks for antibodies to be detected in your blood. Because antibodies develop over time, it’s possible that your antibody levels can change depending on when you tested.
My antibody value is low. Should I get retested to see if my result will change?
It usually 1-3 weeks for antibodies to be detected in your blood. Because antibodies develop over time, it’s possible that your antibody levels can change depending on when you tested. However, this varies by individual. Talk with your healthcare provider or local health department about your results to see if retesting is advised.
If I had more severe symptoms of COVID-19, will I have a higher antibody level?
Some studies have shown that individuals with more severe symptoms develop higher antibody levels. However, although having antibodies usually gives immunity from future infection, there is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that people who have higher amounts of these antibodies are better protected against future COVID-19 infections.
If I have antibodies, am I a good candidate for donating plasma?
People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are encouraged to consider donating plasma. You must be completely recovered from symptoms for at least 14 days prior to donation. If you have additional questions, please contact the donation center directly for more information.
Based on the results of my antibody test, do I need to continue social distancing and/or wearing a mask? Can I visit someone who is at risk for severe symptoms of the virus?
At this time, there is no test that can tell you when to stop social distancing or isolating. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider about the next steps and continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding social distancing and COVID-19 safety precautions. You should also use caution or avoid visiting at-risk individuals like those above the age of 65 or with pre-existing medical conditions.
Can a COVID-19 antibody test tell me when I can visit someone who is at risk for severe symptoms of the virus?
There is no test that can tell you when you can visit someone who is at risk for more severe symptoms of COVID-19. Check with your primary healthcare provider or local health department to help determine when the time is right to make such visits. Be sure to continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding social distancing and COVID-19 safety precautions.
Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Requirements:
At the time you place your order, you will be required to answer several questions to determine your eligibility for taking the IgG antibody blood test. An independent physician will determine whether to authorize your test request, if appropriate.
You will be asked to submit the following information:
Please contact Request A Test prior to placing your order if you have any questions.
The lab requires an appointment to be set up through their website in order to be collected for a COVID-19 IgG antibody test. Please contact Request A Test if you need instructions on how to create an appointment.
The total fee for this test includes $10 collected on behalf of PWNHealth, an organization that Request A Test partners with, for physician oversight services. PWNHealth is an independent healthcare provider network that provides oversight services to you in connection with the laboratory testing that you have requested. PWNHealth and its services are independent of the laboratory and Request A Test. You may view additional information related to COVID-19 HERE.
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