Individuals & Patients
Determine Whether You Have COVID-19 Antibodies (Blood/Antibody Test)
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Learn if you've been exposed to the virus or if you've built up antibodies from a vaccine or previous infection.
Request an antibody test now
Request a test from your doctor
What is the COVID-19 antibody test?
If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or vaccinated, your body produces antibodies as part of your immune response. This test checks for antibodies to COVID-19 after exposure or vaccination and provides a numerical value that indicates the level of antibodies present.
This COVID-19 semi-quantitative test is for individuals who think they may have antibodies from infection or vaccination but who do not currently have symptoms of COVID-19.
When should I get the antibody test?
It can take up to two weeks for your body to develop antibodies after infection or a vaccination shot, so you should wait to get an antibody test until 10 days after your symptoms started or 10 days after testing positive.
You should also wait until your symptoms have improved and you have not had a fever or felt feverish for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine.
Current research shows that it may be best to get antibody testing 3 to 4 weeks after symptom onset or known exposure to COVID-19 to lower the chance of receiving a false positive or false negative result. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.
Who is the test for?
This test may be right for you if:
- You have previously tested positive for COVID-19 infection and want to know if you have detectable antibodies.
- You have never been diagnosed with COVID-19 and want to know if you have been previously exposed to the virus.
- You have received a COVID-19 vaccine and want to know if you have detectable antibodies.
This test may NOT be right for you if:
- You are feeling sick or have had a fever within the last 24 hours.
- You want to understand if you currently have COVID-19.
- You have been diagnosed with COVID-19 less than 10 days ago.
- You were directly exposed to the virus in the past 14 days.
- You have a condition that weakens your immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When you arrive at the Labcorp patient service center, a phlebotomist will take a blood sample. You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test.
For additional information about COVID-19 testing, visit the FDA website or CDC website.
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You can view and print your results by signing in or creating a Labcorp Patient™ account. Your results will be reported to public health authorities where required by law.
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Labcorp is providing serology testing based on tests from various manufacturers. These tests have not been FDA cleared or approved but they have been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization for use by authorized laboratories.
These tests have been authorized only for the detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or pathogens.
These 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.
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False negative results can sometimes occur. This can happen if you get an antibody test too soon after being exposed or vaccinated and your body has not yet made enough antibodies to be detected by the test.
Additionally, some individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems due to a medical condition or certain medications, may not develop detectable levels of antibodies after exposure or vaccination.
You may also receive a false positive if the test detects antibodies from other coronaviruses you may have been exposed to, like the virus that causes the common cold.
If you are concerned about your results, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider, who can evaluate your medical history.
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A semi-quantitative antibody test can help identify individuals who have developed an immune response after exposure to COVID-19 or vaccination. However, it should not be used to determine the level of immunity or protection you have.
Evidence is still being collected and studied to determine if antibodies provide protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) specifically.
Follow up with your healthcare provider for additional guidance on how to interpret your test results.
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On May 19, 2021, the FDA issued a safety communication reiterating that “antibody testing should not be used to evaluate a person’s level of immunity or protection from COVID-19 at any time, and especially after the person received a COVID-19 vaccination.
Currently authorized SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests, including the SARS-CoV-2 Semi-Quantitative Total Antibody assay (164090), have not been evaluated to assess the level of protection provided by an immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, the components of a protective immune response against infection or reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 have not been fully characterized (e.g., antibody, T cell, etc.). Clinical trials and other studies are under way to better understand immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
Effective March 28, 2022, Labcorp expanded the reporting range of results for test number 164090 SARS-CoV-2 Semi-Quantitative Total Antibody, Spike. Results previously reported for this assay were 0.8-2500 U/mL with higher values reported as >2500 U/mL. With the addition of an automated dilution, we are now able to report result 0.8-25000 U/mL with higher values reported as >25000 U/mL. This change does not impact previously reported results; it just increases the numerical values above 2500 U/mL that we are able to report.
Labcorp antibody result reports will continue to include a comment indicating that the antibody level that correlates with immunity has not yet been determined. If antibody test results are interpreted incorrectly, people may take fewer precautions against SARS-CoV-2, which may result in increased risk of infection and spread of the virus.
Please refer to the FDA website for further guidance around antibody testing recommendations.
How much will this COVID-19 antibody test cost me?
If you request a test through your doctor, there is no upfront cost.
If you request a test through our online process, Labcorp will bill the cost test directly to your health plan if you are insured. While the test itself has no upfront costs if you are insured, there is a $6 non-refundable service fee to PWNHealth. PWNHealth is a network of physicians who reviews your test request and submits a physician's order for the test. This $6 fee is not submitted to insurance for reimbursement.
Please note: if your insurance doesn't cover the cost of the test, you may receive an invoice from Labcorp for up to $42.13.
PWNHealth is an independent healthcare provider network that provides oversight services to you in connection with the testing you have requested. PWNHealth and its services are independent from Labcorp.
