Getting tested for COVID-19 is something that most people have at least considered at one point or another, but have you considered antibody testing? Antibody testing is a newer type of COVID-19 test that not only provides helpful information to you, but to those working on a vaccine too! COVID-19 antibody testing isn’t recommended for everyone, so how do you know if it’s for you? 

What is Antibody Testing? 

Antibody testing is a type of COVID-19 test that looks for the presence of antibodies in your blood. If you get a positive result, that means that you have antibodies against COVID-19. To have antibodies, you had to have been exposed to COVID-19 at some point and your body had to learn how to successfully fight the virus. You can have antibodies for the virus even if you never had symptoms! The below factors can help determine whether or not antibody testing is right for you:

You’ve Had a Positive COVID-19 Test

If you previously had a positive COVID-19 swab test and it has been at least fourteen days, there’s a good chance you have antibodies. The antibodies that live in your blood can be helpful in experimental treatments using blood plasma and vaccines using live antibodies. The presence of antibodies also tells you that you have developed an immune response to COVID-19, though scientists and doctors are still working to determine how long the response can last. 

You Think You’ve Been in Contact with COVID-19

If you believe you’ve been in contact with COVID-19, antibody testing can help confirm or deny that. Antibody testing does not diagnose an active case of COVID-19, so you should wait at least ten days after the onset of symptoms or suspected exposure before getting tested. 

You Want to Assess Your Personal Risk

If you get tested and learn that you do have antibodies, you will likely feel more comfortable returning to your “normal” life, knowing that your risk of infection is much less than someone with no antibodies, if you plan to return to work, school, or another place that’s heavily populated, getting tested for antibodies is a great way to assess your personal risk of infection! Regardless of your result, it is important to continue following local and state health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask in public areas, washing your hands frequently and maintaining social distancing.

Coronavirus Antibody Testing in Stamford, CT

AFC Urgent Care Stamford offers the quickest and most affordable option for COVID-19 antibody testing. At AFC Urgent Care Stamford, we’re proud to offer a sanitized and welcoming environment for your COVID-19 antibody testing needs, as well as any other non-life-threatening medical concerns you have. We can help you determine if viral or antibody testing is best for you and results of both tests typically come back within 2 days. COVID-19 testing is by appointment only after a telemedicine screening with one of our physicians. For more information, please call 203-969-2000.