Coronavirus antibody testing is an FDA-authorized test. It helps to detect the presence of antibodies for the coronavirus in the body. The test requires a drop of blood as a sample.

The body makes antibodies when a virus enters it. It can be via infection or vaccines. These antibodies then protect the body from the same virus as long as they remain in the body. An antibody test helps to detect these antibodies in the system. The results can be derived within 10-15 minutes.

Antibody testing cannot detect active COVID-19 infections. If the test is positive, it is definitely accurate. But if your antibody test is negative, there is a slight (2.8%) chance that it is a false negative.

Coronavirus antibody testing may cost around $80 or so. Your insurance might not cover it. So, find out this information from your provider before getting tested.

Reasons to Get Coronavirus Antibody Testing

Possible exposure to coronavirus

If you suspect exposure to coronavirus in any way, an antibody test can confirm if you had the infection. If you find out someone in your community had the infection and several members were exposed to that person unknowingly; an antibody test can help provide some answers.

Antibodies develop 2-3 weeks after exposure. You may have not developed the symptoms but still could have the infection. Coronavirus antibody testing can help you confirm the same.

Travel requirements and protection

Many countries demand an antibody test also alongside a PCR test upon arrival. The tests cannot be more than 72 hours old. Even if you don’t require coronavirus antibody testing as per travel regulations, it can help you alleviate some fears of exposure.

The presence of antibodies can reveal the efficacy of your vaccine and accordingly, you can take more measures to protect against the virus.

Peace of mind

Once the cases begin to drop, schools and offices begin to reopen too. Before you send your kid to school, you may want to check if there are antibodies present in his or her system. Perhaps your child had the infection. If yes then there may be antibodies in his or her body.

Vaccination for kids is not yet available. So, the presence of antibodies (even if via direct infection), in a way, offers some protection.

Those returning to their offices may also want to get antibody tests. It can reveal to them how many antibodies they developed after the vaccines. Once you know antibodies are present in your system, you can feel a bit relieved.

Antibodies will not forever remain in your system. So, if you travel frequently or are returning to the office or school, get tested for antibodies frequently for your own peace of mind.

A bit of protection from future threats

The presence of antibodies not only reveals past infections. It can also reveal how prepared your body is for future threats of infection. The preparedness can be due to past infection/s or via vaccinations.

Everyone’s body will react differently to infections or vaccinations. Everyone’s body will develop antibodies differently. The number of antibodies in your system may not be the same as your partner or children. Some people develop very little antibodies even after active infection. The duration for which the antibodies will remain in a person’s system also differs for everyone.

Antibodies can protect the body from future infections. Even if you contract the virus again; the infection may be less severe. The presence of antibodies doesn’t guarantee protection from future infections. But it can give your body more fighting chances in case of an infection.

Company mandates

Many companies demand that their employees get tested for antibodies before returning to the office. Even if you are vaccinated, you may need to comply with your company’s policies. Your company may not even pay for it. Even your insurance may not cover it as it is mandated by a company. So, choose a reputable testing center to get accurate results. Your insurance may reimburse your self-pay cost.

In Closing

Coronavirus antibody testing only reveals the presence of antibodies. It is not suitable to detect active infections. It can provide you with additional information for your own peace of mind or to comply with regulations.