Atlanta Urgent Care stands ready to assist our local community during any public health crisis, and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is no exception. A COVID-19 IgG Antibody Test looks for antibodies of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. Results are available in 1 to 4 days.
What is an COVID-19 IgG Antibody Test and why would I want one?
A COVID-19 IgG Antibody Test looks for antibodies of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. This test indicates if you had COVID-19 in the past. A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. Results are available in 1 to 4 days. This test is most accurate when at least 14 days have passed since you had symptoms. The test is also good to check our immune status after the Covid-19 vaccine or a past covid infection.
Antibody testing is used to determine:
- If you previously had a Covid-19/coronavirus infection
- If you may have been previously exposed to Covid-19/coronavirus
- If you were possibly an asymptomatic carrier of Covid-19/coronavirus
- Antibody levels after a Covid-19 infection or a Covid 19 vaccine
Who may benefit from antibody testing?
- A person who would like to know if they have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
- A person who has recovered from a COVID-19-like illness in the past who would like to know if the illness was possibly from SARS-CoV-2
- A person who has a close contact that finds out they had COVID-19 in the past.
- A person participating in research scientists are doing to better understand SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and their role in immunity to COVID-19
- A person participating with a medical facility collecting convalescent plasma with antibodies from people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection.
What do my antibody test results mean for me?
Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude COVID-19 infection, or to inform infection status.
Positive antibody results:
- A positive antibody test result indicates you likely had a COVID-19 infection.
- There is also a possibility of a false positive if it’s unlikely you had COVID-19 based on your exposure history or symptoms
Negative antibody results:
- A negative antibody test result indicates you likely never had (or have not yet developed antibodies to) a COVID-19 infection.
- Negative test results do not rule out COVID-19 infection, particularly if you have been in contact with the virus.
- Viral testing should be considered to rule out infection in negative individuals who have been in contact with the virus. Ask your healthcare provider about this test.
