COVID-19 Antibody Testing

What is COVID-19 antibody testing?

A COVID-19 antibody test is a laboratory screening procedure used to determine if you’ve had COVID-19. It tests for the presence of a specific antibody called IgG. Antibody tests are unique in that they don’t test for the virus itself. Instead, they check to see if your immune system responded to a previous infection.

How does COVID-19 antibody testing work?

NewMed Immediate Care conducts COVID-19 antibody testing on-site as an outpatient procedure. During your appointment, your provider pricks your finger and takes a small sample of blood.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, creates two types of antibodies –– IgM antibodies, which occur early on in an infection, and IgG antibodies, which appear after infection.

IgG antibodies develop about 14 days after virus symptoms begin. They usually stay in your blood for a significant period after recovering, but scientists aren’t sure how long IgG antibodies triggered by COVID-19 last.

Are COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 antibody testing the same?

A COVID-19 test is a diagnostic procedure that determines if you have the virus. It only provides a positive result if you have COVID-19 at the time of your test.

A COVID-19 antibody test determines if you’ve had the virus at some point in the past. It detects antibodies, which usually develop after you recover.

Should I get a COVID-19 antibody test?

If you suspect you’ve had COVID-19, an antibody test can provide confirmation. Many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, meaning they have the virus but present no apparent symptoms.

A COVID-19 antibody test helps NewMed Immediate Care better understand the prevalence of COVID-19 in the local community. If you have COVID-19 antibodies, it also means you may have immunity from further infection.

How accurate is COVID-19 antibody testing?

Experts aren’t entirely sure how accurate COVID-19 antibody testing is, but the brands that NewMed Immediate Care uses, Abbott ID NOW™ and Quidel® rapid, have proven track records of success.

Additionally, the FDA regulates antibody testing and promises to crack down on any manufacturers that provide inaccurate or faulty tests.

How long does it take to get results of a COVID-19 antibody test?

NewMed Immediate Care uses a rapid antibody test that provides results within 24 hours. The day after your initial appointment, your provider will contact you with information about the outcome of your test.

Don’t wait to schedule an appointment at NewMed Immediate Care for COVID-19 antibody testing. Call the office or book a consultation online today.