Antibody Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a negative test mean?
A negative test means that antibodies to COVID-19 were not detected in your bloodstream. This may mean you have not been infected with COVID-19 in the past, though more research is being done on the accuracy of the test.
What does a positive test mean?
A positive test means that antibodies against COVID-19 have been detected in your blood. If you have recently experienced cold-like or flu-like symptoms, a positive test may indicate that you were infected by COVID-19. Additionally, it may be possible to have a positive test and not have experienced any symptoms. A positive result may be due to non-SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past. SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that causes COVID-19. Talk with your healthcare provider to help you interpret a positive test.
Does this mean I’ve Had COVID-19 in the past?
If your test is positive for antibodies and you have experienced cold/flu-like symptoms recently, then it means you may have had COVID-19 in the past and have recovered. Scientists are investigating the possibility that other infections could lead to a positive test.
Does this mean I am immune to COVID-19?
As COVID-19 is a new virus, we currently do not know if these antibodies provide immunity. If it does provide immunity, scientists do not yet know how long that immunity would last.
Do I need to receive any treatment if my test is positive?
Currently, there are no specific treatments available for COVID-19. A positive antibody test means that you may have had COVID-19 in the past and have recovered from the illness.
Do I need to quarantine myself?
If you recently had a cold-like illness, please self-quarantine at home until at least 7 days since symptoms first appeared. Please review the question “When can I go back to work?” below for instructions regarding the number of days to quarantine and when you can return to work.
When can I go back to work?
If you recently had a cold-like illness, please self-quarantine at home until at least 7 days since symptoms first appeared. After 7 days, if it has been 3 days (72 hrs) since you last had a fever without any fever reducers AND have had had no respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath), you may discontinue isolation. If you live with other family members, please ensure that all family members self-quarantine at home and monitor for any symptoms. If anyone in your household currently has symptoms, everyone in the household must be quarantined until all family members have met the above criteria. Some employers may request that a test be performed indicating negative results. If so, please request a telemedicine visit with one of our providers.
Am I contagious to others?
If you currently do not have any cold-like symptoms but have a positive antibody test, you are not contagious as long as the following criteria have been met: 1) more than 7 days have passed since you developed a cold-like illness, 2) after 7 days since starting the illness, it has been 3 days (72 hrs) since you last had a fever without any fever reducers and 3) you no longer have any respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath).
