Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine-Generated Antibody Test
This is an immune-response test that determines if your body has created antibodies from the vaccine if you have not had COVID-19.
Vaccines train our immune systems to create proteins that fight disease, known as ‘antibodies’, just as would happen when we are exposed to a disease but – crucially – vaccines work without making us sick. Vaccines to the COVID-19 virus have focused on a crucial and specific region of the vaccine known as the Spike protein, which is what the virus uses to connect with and enter the human body.
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.)
FAQs
Recognizing antibodies specific to the Spike protein would demonstrate a positive reaction to the vaccine, and provide an idea of a certain level of immunity or protection. Presence of Spike protein antibodies is not a guarantee of total immunity, but studies have demonstrated that these antibodies do apparently provide some form of protection against COVID-19, and in certain demographics have been shown to drastically reduce risk of severe disease related to the virus.
The test can use many names for the Spike protein, including S1/S2, RBD-protein, and others.
While the Spike protein specific antibodies will most likely show a level of immune response, a more appropriate antibody test would include other parts of the virus. These tests are also available, and are more tailored to identifying a previous exposure/infection.
Antibody tests are best used to demonstrate an immune response after infection. Current or active infections, even if just suspected, are better tested through a molecular (i.e. PCR) or Antigen test. It is also recommended you speak with your medical provider for recommendations regarding quarantine, isolation and/or possible additional testing or treatments.
Currently antibody testing is not approved or accepted for travel by US or international destinations. Please verify travel requirements with your destination’s local requirements and/or with the airlines.
While turnaround time can vary from location to location, the average turnaround time for results with the Vaccine Generated Antibody test are 2-3 days from receipt of the sample by the specimen processing lab.
No, fasting is not required. There are no dietary or medicinal restrictions to take this test.
Currently no “rapid” tests are available for this specific antibody, and so a simple venous blood draw will provide everything needed for the laboratory to run the test.
No. You do not need to provide a doctor’s order to get lab testing done at Any Lab Test Now.
We recommend you share your results with your physician.
