The COVID-19 (IgG) antibody is being tested to identify if you have been exposed to the virus.
This is not a diagnostic for an active infection.
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, contact your healthcare provider.
You may be able to submit the expenses associated with this testing to your Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Health Reimbursement Account, or similar account for reimbursement. Please check with your health account administrator.
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, which can lead to a false negative result.
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WHAT IS AN ANTIBODY TEST?
Antibody blood tests, also called serologic tests, check your blood for antibodies that would show if you have had a previous infection. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off germs. A serologic test may not be able to show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1 to 3 weeks to make antibodies after symptoms occur.
We do not know yet if having antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 can protect someone from getting infected with that virus again, or how long that protection might last. Scientists are doing studies to answer those questions.
If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, no matter the type of test, you still should take preventive measures to protect yourself and others. *
*https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/serology-overview.html
WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST?
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have had symptoms in the past, you may be a good candidate for this test. You must be asymptomatic (free of symptoms) for at least seven (7) days prior to testing.
WHAT TYPE OF SPECIMEN WILL BE COLLECTED FOR THIS TEST?
This test requires a simple blood draw.
Am I required to fast?
No, fasting is not required. There are no dietary or medicinal restrictions to take this test.
IS A DOCTOR’S ORDER REQUIRED?
Any Lab Test Now’s ordering physician will provide the required physician’s order on your behalf.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY LAB TEST RESULTS?
Results from the COVID-19 IgG/IgM test are generally available within 1 to 3 business days after you specimen is received by the lab.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN IGM AND IGG ANTIBODY TEST?
Early after infection (usually after the first week), a class of antibodies known as immunoglobulin M (IgM) develop, although they typically do not last long. Later, after the first 2-4 weeks following infection, IgG, a more durable antibody, is produced.
Detection of microbe-specific IgM and IgG in circulating blood (a ‘serologic’ test) serves as a traditional method to determine whether a person has been infected with that pathogen, either recently (IgM) or more distantly (IgG).**
**https://www.vumc.org/coronavirus/latest-news/antibody-testing-covid-19-what-it-tells-us-and-what-it-doesnt
IF ANTIBODY TESTS ARE NOT USED FOR DIAGNOSIS OR EXCLUSION OF COVID-19 INFECTION, WHAT IS THEIR PURPOSE?
IS THIS TEST APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)?
No. According to the FDA “more flexibility was needed during a pandemic of this scale and speed, and incorporating feedback from the medical community, states and test developers, we have also provided regulatory flexibility for serological tests in an effort to provide laboratories and health care providers with early access to these tests with the understanding that the FDA had not reviewed or authorized (or “approved”) them, at least not initially, and these tests should not be used for diagnosing or excluding active SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specifically, last month, as part of our broader strategy, the FDA issued a policy explaining that FDA does not intend to object when developers of serological tests market or use their tests without prior FDA review where: 1) the tests are validated by the developer to determine that they are accurate and reliable, 2) notification of the developer’s validation is provided to FDA, and 3) the tests are labeled appropriately, including that they are not to be used as a sole basis for diagnosis. “***
The test you receive follows the above referenced FDA guidelines.
***https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-serological-test-validation-and-education-efforts
SHOULD I USE ANTIBODY TESTING TO DETERMINE EMPLOYEE STAFFING?
COVID-19 Antibody Testing should not be the sole determination for staffing. Since the we do not know if COVID-19 antibodies protect someone from future infection, you cannot be assured that they will not get re-infected.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I HAVE A POSITIVE TEST RESULT?
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I HAVE A NEGATIVE TEST RESULT?
WHAT IF I WANT TO DISCUSS THE RESULTS WITH A PHYSICIAN?
You can share your results with your healthcare provider or contact our telemedicine partner, DialCare, and they will assist you in interpreting the results. Any Lab Test Now does not diagnose or interpret results.
WHAT IF I WANT TO GET A FREE COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST?
Free options for testing are available. The COVID-19 Antibody Test may be covered by your insurance plan or the government, with no out-of-pocket costs to you. . If you are interested in this option, please contact your healthcare provider. Any Lab Test Now provides transparent pricing and an option for consumers who want fast and convenient access to laboratory testing. Please note the you can use your HSA or FSA for the cost of the test.
