Dr. Charles Bens – Coronavirus IgG Antibody

**Note: All laboratory testing requires an authorizing physician. DHA Laboratory offers a patient direct program that partners you with an authorizing physician. If you have any additional questions regarding the availability of testing, please contact our laboratory by telephone or email.**

Test Name: SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies
Synonyms: COVID-19 Antibodies, COVID-19 Serology, COVID-19 Immune Response, Coronavirus Antibodies

This is a qualitative detection of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to help identify individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Serologic results should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. This test is recommended in individuals at least 10 days post symptom onset or following exposure to individuals with confirmed COVID-19.

Serology testing, also known as coronavirus antibody tests, can check for a type of antibody (IgG) developed after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. This type of COVID-19 test is for individuals who think they may have previously had COVID-19 and do not currently have symptoms. The human body produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus. On average, it takes roughly 10 to 18 days to produce enough antibodies to be detected in the blood. This is the most common antibody. It’s in blood and other body fluids, and protects against bacterial and viral infections. IgG antibodies can take time to form after an infection or immunization and can be present up to several years after.

The CDC and healthcare experts recommend you discuss your test results and whether to return to work with your healthcare provider and employer.

WHO SHOULD BE TESTED?

• If you think you may have had COVID-19 and don’t have any symptoms
• If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and it has been at least 10 days and you want to know if you have detectable levels of IgG antibodies
• If you have not experienced a fever or felt feverish in the last 3 days
• If you have not experienced new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 10 days: loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath of difficulty breathing, feeling weak or lethargic, lightheadedness or dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, and/or seizures
• If you want to know the possibility of having been exposed at some point

Fasting is not required prior to testing.