COVID-19 Serology Screening Test (Qualitative Antibody Detection)
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may have developed after exposure to COVID-19, helping determine if your immune system has recognized the virus.
This test helps assess past infection risk from close contact with someone at higher COVID-19 risk.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96889-1
- Short code
- CLOSECONTACTWITHSOMEONEWHOISINARISKGROUPFORCOVID19
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects antibodies (specifically IgG) that your immune system produces in response to COVID-19. These antibodies can appear weeks after infection and may linger for months. This screening is not a diagnostic test for active COVID-19 but helps identify potential exposure history.
Why You Might Need This Test
You may receive this test if you’ve had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and belongs to a group at higher risk for severe illness (e.g., older adults, those with underlying health conditions). It helps assess whether your immune system may have been activated by exposure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A healthcare provider will collect a blood sample, usually from your arm. The test is quick and typically done in a clinic or lab setting.
What the Results Mean
Results are qualitative (positive/negative) and indicate whether detectable antibodies were found. A positive result suggests your body may have encountered COVID-19 at some point, but it does not confirm a recent infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found in this test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This screening test is not used to diagnose active COVID-19 but can help identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Positive results may inform decisions about vaccination status, risk mitigation strategies, or further testing if needed. It does not replace current diagnostic tests like PCR or antigen tests for active infection.
Short name
COVID-19 Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I had COVID-19 recently?
Can I get this test at home?
Does this test replace a COVID-19 PCR test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy