What is serology antibody COVID testing?
The serology antibody COVID test is a diagnostic test that is used to determine if a person has had COVID-19 in the previous three months or so. During this test, specific antibodies are detected in the blood. These antibodies are produced by our immune systems in response to an infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Purpose
The antibody COVID test detects the presence of specific antibodies produced naturally by the human immune system in response to infection. These antibodies may indicate that either a person is recovering from the disease or completely recovered. This difference is based on the type of antibody detected and its concentration in the sample.
Significance
This test is primarily used as a therapeutic test to detect COVID-specific antibodies to be used for informational purposes and research.
Procedure
COVID-19 antibody testing consists of the following steps:
- A blood sample is taken from an affected or recovered patient and preserved in a container with anticoagulants and preservatives. It is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
- If present, specific antibodies are detected in the laboratory. These results are then processed and reported back to the ordering medical practitioner. The test results will contain information about two specific kinds of antibodies – IgG and IgM.
Results
Positive result
If antibodies are detected in the blood of a recovered or active disease patient, then the result indicates a person has been infected
- IgM antibodies: These antibodies indicate more recent infection.
- IgG antibodies: These antibodies indicate an infection that occurred farther in the past
Negative result
When there are no antibodies detected in the blood of an individual, then the result is negative. This may mean that a person has never been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It may also mean that the infection was so far in the past that the test can no longer detect these antibodies. In this case, a negative result does not mean that a person has no immunity to COVID-19. It simply means the timeframe for measuring IgM and IgG antibodies has passed.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
Whenever you notice symptoms of COVID-19 such as sore throat, cough, loss of taste or smell, or fever, you should get tested to rule out infection. This will help guide treatment and reduce the spread of the disease.
Serology antibody COVID testing is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.