COVID 19 ANTIBODY TESTING

Test details

The COVID-19 (IgG) antibody is being tested to identify if you have been exposed to the virus.

This is not a diagnostic for an active infection.

Individuals can have COVID-19 testing fully paid by their health plan or the government, with no out of pocket cost, when billed to the health plan or the government. If you are looking for that No-Cost option, contact your healthcare provider.

You may be able to submit the expenses associated with this testing to your Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Health Reimbursement Account, or similar account for reimbursement. Please check with your health account administrator.

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, which can lead to a false negative result.

Test details

Here in the US, two different vaccines have been approved for use against the COVID-19 pandemic, and both use a new way of training the immune system without exposing the body to any virus or piece of the virus.  Through mRNA, these vaccines train the immune system to recognize and prevent the virus’ use of the Spike protein.

This spike protein antibody test can be used to determine if your body has developed antibodies from the vaccine. It takes from 14-21 days after the second vaccine to see results but everyone is unique, and each immune system can develop at different rates.  If a negative response is seen, a second test taken 2-3 weeks later will allow for additional time for the antibodies to develop.

A positive Spike Protein antibody test is not an absolute guarantee of total immunity from COVID-19.  Additional testing, including PCR or Antigen tests, may still be necessary in some situations (i.e. return to work, travel, etc.)