Description
This blood test is used to detect antibodies to the COVID-19 virus to see if it’s likely that you have had the virus before. The test works by taking a blood sample and testing for the presence of antibodies (Ig M and Ig G separately) to see if you have developed an immune response to the virus. Antibody tests differ to virus swab tests, which test to see if you currently have the virus. An antibody test cannot test if you currently have the virus.
Is this test for you?
Since an infection with the virus often goes without symptoms, many people do not know that they have already been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, a high number of unreported cases is assumed. An antibody test can provide more clarity here.
Note: If you have symptoms of COVID-19 please visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test to get a free test. You can check your symptoms here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/.