AFC Urgent Care West Hartford now performs COVID-19 antibody testing on asymptomatic patients. An appointment is not required for testing. The test is performed via a blood draw and is used to detect past infection with coronavirus, including COVID-19. Results are typically available within 4-7 business days after testing, depending on lab capacity or any unforeseen circumstances. Please wear a mask when you come to AFC Urgent Care West Hartford for antibody testing.
***Please check with your insurance provider as some insurers may require a copayment for testing.
Am I eligible for antibody testing?
Patients over the age of 15 who have been asymptomatic, including not exhibiting a dry cough, fever or congestion, for at least 14 days are eligible for coronavirus antibody testing.
What is the difference between COVID-19 diagnostic testing and antibody testing?
There are several differences between diagnostic and antibody testing. Antibody testing is used to detect antibodies developed during a past infection with coronavirus, which is why you need to be asymptomatic for two weeks prior to testing. Diagnostic testing is performed via a nasal swab and is used to detect the active COVID-19 virus in symptomatic patients.
What the results of your antibody test means
Positive results of an antibody test indicate that you have been exposed to coronavirus and have developed antibodies against the virus. Whether or not you have immunity against further infection against COVID-19 is still being determined by doctors and scientists. For the most up-to-date information on how antibodies are being interpreted and studied, please check the CDC website.
Negative results indicate that you have not been exposed to coronavirus and therefore have not developed antibodies against the virus. However, exposure may have occurred in the ten days previous to your test, without the opportunity to develop antibodies yet.
Regardless of what your results indicate, it is still important to continue abiding by current health and safety regulations, including maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask or protective face covering when you visit a public area.
