SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Antibody, Serum/Plasma (Qualitative)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that may have developed in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Antibodies can appear after infection or vaccination.
["This test helps determine if your immune system has recognized past or current exposure to COVID-19."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95411-5
- Short code
- SARS-CoV-2 NAb Ser Ql pVNT
- Synonyms
- SARS-CoV-2 NAb Ser Ql pVNT
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- pvnt
- 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?
The test looks for antibodies specifically targeting the nucleocapsid protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These antibodies are part of your immune response and can indicate whether you’ve been exposed to the virus, even if you didn’t experience symptoms or were previously vaccinated.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Healthcare providers may order this test to confirm past infection, assess immunity after vaccination, evaluate exposure risk in certain settings (e.g., healthcare workers, travelers), or investigate unexplained symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma for testing.
What Are the Possible Results?
The result is qualitative (positive or negative). A positive result suggests the presence of antibodies, indicating potential past infection or immune response. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found at this time.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is primarily used to identify immune response to SARS-CoV-2, aiding in diagnosis, monitoring, or research. However, it cannot distinguish between infection and vaccination alone. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical context, symptoms, and other diagnostic findings.
Short name
SARS-CoV-2 N Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
Can this test tell me if I had COVID-19 recently?
What if my test is positive but I never had symptoms?
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