SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Antibody, Serum/Plasma
This test measures the presence of IgG antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
["IgG antibodies help your body fight past infections and provide long-term immunity."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96742-2
- Short code
- SARS-CoV-2 IgG SerPl IA-mCnc
- Synonyms
- SARS-CoV-2 IgG SerPl IA-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- CPT
- 82784
- 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?
IgG antibodies are a type of antibody your immune system creates after you’ve been exposed to the virus. These antibodies can stay in your system for months or even years, helping your body recognize and defend against the virus if you’re exposed again. This test detects these antibodies in your serum or plasma sample.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to determine if you’ve had prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2, even if you didn’t experience symptoms. It can also help assess immunity after vaccination or recovery from COVID-19.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result indicates that your immune system has produced IgG antibodies against the virus, suggesting you’ve likely been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 at some point. This doesn’t necessarily mean you had active COVID-19, but it confirms past exposure.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means your blood sample did not contain detectable IgG antibodies at the time of testing. This could mean you haven’t been exposed recently, or your immune system hasn’t yet produced these antibodies (e.g., shortly after infection or vaccination).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Understanding IgG Antibodies in COVID-19
Short name
IgG Antibody to SARS-CoV-2
Frequently asked questions
How long do IgG antibodies last after COVID-19?
Can IgG antibodies protect me from getting COVID-19 again?
What if my test is negative but I suspect I had COVID-19?
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