Antibody Test for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) – Serological Screening
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Antibodies can help your body fight off the virus and may indicate past infection.
["This test helps determine if you’ve had exposure to COVID-19, even if you didn’t get sick."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96738-0
- Short code
- COVID19LETTER
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- role
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
This test measures specific types of antibodies (immunoglobulins) produced by your immune system after exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Antibodies like IgG and IgM are detected to assess immune response timing and potential past infection.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may recommend this test if you’ve had COVID-19 symptoms, recovered from COVID-19, or been exposed to someone with COVID-19. It can also help track immunity in vaccinated individuals or assess exposure in workplace or community settings.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The blood is then analyzed in a lab to detect antibodies against the virus. Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
What Are the Possible Results?
Results may show either a positive or negative antibody presence. A positive result suggests your immune system has recognized the virus, while a negative result means no detectable antibodies were found at this time.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate past infection and immunity, which may protect against future illness. However, antibody levels can decline over time, so immunity may not last indefinitely. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found, which does not rule out past exposure or immunity. This test is not a replacement for current COVID-19 testing methods like PCR or antigen tests.
Short name
COVID-19 Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Antibody Test Mean?
Can Antibodies Be Used to Confirm Past COVID-19?
How Long Do Antibodies Stay in the Blood?
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