Serum or plasma concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (neutralizing or total) by immunoassay
This test measures antibodies your immune system produces in response to the COVID-19 virus. Antibodies can help your body recognize and fight the virus if you become infected again.
["Antibodies may indicate past infection or vaccination protection, but they don’t guarantee immunity or confirm current infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111441-2
- Short code
- ENA SS-B Ab Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- ENA SS-B Ab Msmt Ser
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
This test detects specific proteins (antibodies) your immune system creates after exposure to the COVID-19 virus. These antibodies can help your body remember the virus for faster protection if you’re exposed again. Antibodies may appear a few weeks after infection or vaccination and can stay in your system for months or longer.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to check if you’ve had COVID-19 recently or if you’ve developed immunity after vaccination. It can also help monitor long-term immune response in certain situations, though it’s not a direct test for active infection.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to measure antibody levels using an immunoassay method, which identifies antibodies specific to the COVID-19 virus.
What Are the Results Typically Used For?
Results can help determine if you’ve had prior infection or vaccination, but they’re not a substitute for other tests like PCR or antigen tests, which check for active virus presence.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Antibodies alone don’t confirm current infection or immunity. They may indicate past exposure or vaccination but don’t guarantee protection against future infections. Levels can vary and may decline over time. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
COVID-19 Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
How soon after infection or vaccination can antibodies be detected?
Can antibodies protect me from getting COVID-19 again?
Do antibody levels change over time?
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