What
is a COVID-19 antibody test?
This test checks for a
type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG). If you’ve been exposed to
COVID-19, your body produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to
the virus. 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.
Who
should get a COVID-19 antibody test?
This test may be right for you if you:
·
Have been diagnosed
with COVID-19, it has been at least 10 days since your diagnosis, and you want
to know if you have IgG antibodies.
·
Have not had symptoms
and have not had a known exposure to COVID-19 within the last 10 days but want
to see if you have IgG antibodies.
·
Have had or suspect
you’ve had COVID-19 but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 10
days (these symptoms include cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated
shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste
or smell).
·
Have had or suspect
you’ve had COVID-19 but have not experienced a fever in the past 3 days.
Who
should not get a COVID-19 antibody test?
This test may NOT be right for you if you:
·
Are feeling sick or
have had a fever within the last 3 days.
·
Are trying to diagnose
COVID-19.
·
Have been diagnosed
with COVID-19 less than 10 days ago.
·
Were directly exposed
to COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
·
Have a condition that
weakens your immune system.
What
will a COVID-19 antibody test results tell me?
This test may help identify if you were exposed to the virus and, if so,
whether or not your body has IgG antibodies against 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 IgG antibodies are protected
against future COVID-19 infection. Results from this test also will not provide
any information on whether you can spread the virus to others.
If you have questions
about returning to work, contact your employer for guidance. Be sure to
continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding
social distancing and isolation.
Are
there any limitations to COVID-19 antibody tests?
Getting an antibody test too soon after being infected may cause a false
negative result. Additionally, some individuals who are infected with COVID-19
may not develop detectable levels of IgG antibodies, such as those with
weakened immune systems due to a medical condition or certain medications.
This test may detect
IgG antibodies from previous exposure to coronaviruses other than COVID-19,
which can cause a false positive result.
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 work and
other 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?
This test is conducted by collecting a blood sample (such as from a finger
prick or needle draw).
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 medications before testing. Further instructions will
be provided to you at the lab or in your test kit.
Where
can I get more information?
·
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention: About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
·
World Health
Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
·
FDA: Coronavirus
(COVID-19) Update: Serological Tests
Please note: The antibody tests and the molecular tests
(together referred to as “tests”) have not been cleared or approved by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA).
General COVID-19 FAQs
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. 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.
What
are the symptoms of COVID-19?
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
Cases of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. Some people who are infected
don’t have any symptoms and don’t feel sick. Most
people have mild symptoms. Visit the CDC website for more
information about symptoms.
Who
is at high risk of getting very sick?
Severe cases are more likely to occur in older adults (65 years of age and
older), as well as pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and
those with underlying health issues (such as lung disease, diabetes, obesity,
high blood pressure, heart conditions, stroke, kidney disease or on dialysis,
liver disease, cancer, transplant, AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis).
However, serious illness can also occur in young, healthy adults.
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
is COVID-19 treated?
There is currently no treatment for COVID-19. Not all patients with
COVID-19 will require medical attention, and most people recover within 2 weeks
without any specific treatment. For severe cases, hospitalization and
respiratory support may be required. For mild cases, treatment focuses on
managing symptoms.
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.
·
Avoid close contact
with people who are sick.
·
Restrict any
activities outside your home and maintain a safe distance (around 6 feet)
between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is
spreading in your community. This includes avoiding crowded areas, shopping
malls, religious gatherings, public transportation, etc.
·
Wear simple cloth face
coverings in public settings (like grocery stores and pharmacies) where social
distancing is difficult, especially in areas where COVID-19 is spreading.
·
Stay home when you are
sick, unless you are seeking medical care.
·
Clean and disinfect
frequently touched objects and surfaces (including tables, doorknobs,
light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones,
keyboards, toilets, faucets, and
sinks).
·
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
·
Use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t
available. Always wash hands with soap and water if
your hands are visibly dirty.
·
Avoid touching your
eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
What
can I do to prevent spreading COVID-19?
If you believe you may have COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 and have
mild symptoms, the following steps can help prevent the disease from spreading
to others:
·
Stay home
·
Stay in a specific
room and away from other people in your home
·
Restrict any
activities outside your home, except for getting medical care
·
Avoid public areas,
including work and school
·
Avoid using public
transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis
·
Cover your nose and
mouth
·
If you are sick, wear
a facemask when you are around other people or pets
·
Cover your mouth and
nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw away used tissues
·
Wash hands
o Wash your hands often with soap and