SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Screening Test (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that may have developed after exposure to the virus responsible for COVID-19. Antibodies are part of your immune system’s response to infection.
["This test helps determine if your body has produced immune protection against COVID-19."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99597-7
- Short code
- SARS-CoV-2 S IgG SerPl Ql IA
- Synonyms
- SARS-CoV-2 S IgG SerPl Ql IA
- 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?
The test looks for antibodies (specifically IgG and potentially IgM) that your immune system creates in response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These antibodies can indicate past infection or immune system exposure, though they do not confirm current infection.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Healthcare providers may recommend this test if you’ve had close contact with someone with COVID-19, if you’ve recovered from COVID-19, or if you’re planning travel or participation in activities requiring immunity verification. It’s also used in screening for ongoing outbreaks or research studies.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, typically in a clinic or lab setting. The blood is processed into serum or plasma for testing.
What Are the Next Steps?
If positive, further testing (such as a confirmatory assay) may be needed to ensure accuracy. If negative, it does not guarantee you are not currently infected. Follow-up with your healthcare provider based on your symptoms and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is primarily used for screening and monitoring rather than diagnosing active COVID-19. While antibodies suggest prior exposure, their presence does not always correlate with immunity duration. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical context and, if needed, additional testing.
Short name
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
Can this test tell me if I’m currently infected with COVID-19?
How soon after exposure can I expect to get positive results?
Does this test replace a COVID-19 vaccine booster?
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