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COVID-19 Antibody Test
COVID-19 Antibody Test
Detect COVID-19 antibodies from a previous infection or vaccination. Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Blood
Preparation:
You don't need to do anything to prepare for the test, such as fasting or not taking medications.
Additional instructions will be provided during your appointment.
What
This test detects SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibodies from a previous infection and from the COVID-19 vaccinations.
Who
For anyone who wants to know if they have antibodies from a prior infection or vaccination.
How
Blood
Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.
About the Test
Antibodies are proteins that the body produces in response to an infection or vaccine. There are 2 types of COVID-19 antibody tests: a spike protein test and a nucleocapsid test.
This COVID-19 Antibody Test is a spike protein test which can detect antibodies from a prior or recent infection, regardless of whether symptoms were present. Positive results may also occur after a COVID-19 vaccination, but the clinical significance is not yet known. A nucleocapsid test can only detect antibodies from a prior or recent infection.
How it works
questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.
FAQs
An antibody is a protein that the body produces in response to a specific antigen (including viruses like COVID-19). These antibodies provide protection against future exposure to that particular antigen.
This test has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This means that while Quest Diagnostics has validated the test and has the data to believe the test and the collection kit are accurate, this test has not been FDA- cleared or -approved; This test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories; this test has been authorized only for the detection of IgG Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and, this test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use on in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(B)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360BBB-3(B)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. Additional studies need to be conducted for this test and others like it to be FDA cleared or approved.
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.
Our references
- The Quest Diagnostics molecular test and other authorized molecular tests (together the “molecular tests”) have not been FDA cleared or approved
- The molecular tests have been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories
- The molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARSCoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens an,
- The molecular tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner
The IgG and IgM antibody tests are intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. Results are for the detection of SARS CoV-2 antibodies. IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are generally detectable in blood several days after initial infection, although the duration of time antibodies are present post-infection is not well characterized. At this time, it is unknown for how long antibodies persist following infection and if the presence of antibodies confers protective immunity. Individuals may have detectable virus present for several weeks following seroconversion. Negative results do not preclude acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. If acute infection is suspected, molecular testing for SARSCoV-2 is necessary. The tests should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. False positive results for the test may occur due to cross-reactivity from pre-existing antibodies or other possible causes. The sensitivity of the IgM test early after infection is unknown. Due to the risk of false positive results, confirmation of positive results should be considered using a second, different IgM assay or an IgG assay. Samples should only be tested for IgM from individuals with 15 days to 30 days post symptom onset. SARS-CoV-2 antibody negative samples collected 15 days or more post symptom onset should be reflexed to a test that detects and reports SARS-CoV-2 IgG.