COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTING

COVID-19 ANTIBODY BLOOD TEST

Individuals can have COVID-19 testing fully paid by their health plan or the government, with no out of pocket cost, when billed to the health plan or the government. If you are looking for that No-Cost option, a doctor’s order is required.

WHY CHOOSE ANTIBODY TESTING?

Antibody testing offers benefits globally, locally and individually.

Public health officials can use antibody status data to get a more accurate picture of the prevalence of COVID-19 around the world and in local communities. Understanding the true reach of the virus is key to slowing its spread.

For yourself, knowing your own antibody status means you can alert your family and friends of your previous exposure and recommend they get tested if you had been in close contact. Antibody status also helps give you and your doctor or healthcare provider added insight to make an informed decision about possibly returning to work, school, or other activity.

However, antibody testing is just one tool available to you while making decisions about your health. To help protect yourself and others from COVID-19, its important to also follow the latest guidance set by your community, the CDC and the FDA.

Also, antibody testing only offers a look backward on your exposure to COVID-19. If you believe you may currently be sick with COVID-19, consider an active infection swab test.

WHAT IS AN ANTIBODY BLOOD TEST? 

This blood test checks for a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG) that is the result of past or recent exposure to COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus (this is not a test for an active infection). The human body produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus. It usually takes around 10 days to start producing enough antibodies to be detected in the blood. However, in some people it may take several weeks.

Test results may help identify if you were previously exposed to the virus and, if exposed, can check whether or not your body has produced antibodies. Currently, the FDA supports antibody testing with the following important points:

• Antibody tests can play a critical role in the fight against COVID-19

• Testing can help identify who may have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 infection, and potentially developed an immune response

• Right now, it is unclear whether these individuals may be less susceptible to infection, but in the future, broad use of antibody tests and clinical follow-up will provide more information on this point

Multiple sources, including the CDC and healthcare experts, recommend you discuss your test results and whether to return to work with your healthcare provider and employer.

• If you were never diagnosed with COVID-19, this test can help determine if you may have been previously exposed to the virus.

• If you were diagnosed with COVID-19, this test can check whether or not your body has produced antibodies.

This test may be helpful if you:

• Have had a positive test for COVID-19 and it has been at least 10 days and you want to know if you have detectable levels of IgG antibodies
• Have not experienced a fever or felt feverish in the last 3 days
• Have not experienced new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 10 days: loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feeling weak or lethargic, lightheadedness or dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, and/or seizures

This test may NOT be helpful if you are:

• Feeling sick or have had a fever within the last 3 full days, please contact a healthcare provider
• Trying to diagnose COVID-19, please contact a healthcare provider
• Less than 10 days since being tested for and diagnosed with COVID-19
• Directly exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• A person with a compromised immune system, a condition that makes it difficult to fight infections

This test does not require fasting and is only available for persons 18 years of age or older.

HOW DO I GET THIS DONE?

Antibody testing is available only to patients who are not currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have not experienced symptoms within 10 days. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

A provider from Advance Telemedicine can submit an order for you to get a COVID-19 antibody test through Quest. Next, you can make an appointment at a Quest patient service center. You do not need to fast for this test. A phlebotomist will draw your blood, and the specimen is then sent to Quest laboratories for processing.

Test results are typically available within 3 days, but turnaround time can vary due to high demand.

Results will be sent directly to your account on the Advance Telemedicine online patient portal.

HOW DOES QUEST DIAGNOSTICS ENSURE THAT THE COVID-19 IMMUNE RESPONSE TEST IS ACCURATE?

Quest is using tests from manufacturers who have demonstrated validation. 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 be FDA cleared or approved.

Note: This test can sometimes detect antibodies from other coronaviruses, which can cause a false positive result if you have been previously diagnosed with or exposed to other types of coronaviruses. Additionally, if you test too soon, your body may not have produced enough IgG antibodies to be detected by the test yet, which can lead to a false negative result.

*Up to a 15 minute telemedicine visit required with provider for assessment and evaluation for antibody testing before order can be placed, visit rates apply and due at the time of service.