COVID-19 Antibody Test
What is the COVID-19 Antibody (Serology) test?
Difference between COVID-19 diagnostic molecular (PCR) test and Antibody test
Difference between COVID-19 diagnostic molecular (PCR) test and Antibody test
COVID-19 antibody test detects antibodies reactive to SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins. This test can be used to assess recent or previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. This test is most accurate when the sample is collected 3-4 weeks after onset of symptoms or 3-4 weeks after exposure.
At this time, it is not known if the presence of antibodies to COVID-19 means you are immune to the virus and protected from re-infection. Importantly, it is not known how long antibody response to COVID-19 virus lasts. Based on current studies, antibodies to the COVID-19 virus can be detected up to 4 months post-exposure, but levels vary depending on the individual immune response as well as disease severity, with levels higher in severe and lower in milder/asymptomatic cases.
Difference between COVID-19 diagnostic molecular (PCR) test and Antibody test
Difference between COVID-19 diagnostic molecular (PCR) test and Antibody test
Difference between COVID-19 diagnostic molecular (PCR) test and Antibody test
The molecular test (e.g. polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) detects SARS-CoV-2 genetic material and is used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. A sample type used in molecular testing is a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab.
The COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test to detect antibodies to the virus. Results of the test show whether you had a recent or prior COVID-19 infection. The antibody test is not to be used for the diagnosis of active COVID-19 infection.