Coronavirus (Covid-19) Antibody Testing: What You Need to Know

A steady flow of information about coronavirus (Covid-19) antibody testing has led to confusion about when testing could become available and how it might be used in the fight against the virus.  

In an effort to bring clarity to this topic, let’s review current developments:

What is an antibody test and how could it be used to fight the coronavirus?

Via a blood sample, an antibody test looks for proteins made by plasma cells, called antibodies. If antibodies are present, it means that an individual was exposed to a virus and antibodies were developed to fight it. The test can help to determine if someone has some level of immunity to the coronavirus. 

The antibody test is not meant to diagnose the coronavirus. There is ongoing discussion worldwide about how test results could impact social distancing and workplace policies.  

Where does coronavirus antibody testing research currently stand?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any tests for coronavirus antibody testing, but one test has been granted emergency use authorization. More than 70 test developers have contacted the FDA about potential tests, but according to information on FDA.gov, some of these claims are believed to be false. Government officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, have stated that they believe testing will be imminently available.¹

What questions remain?

There are lingering questions that remain, including:

• Do antibody test results measure a person’s resistance to the virus? 

• How accurate is testing?

• If a person has antibodies present, how long will/does the immunity to the virus last?

• When will testing become available to the public?

How can you stay informed?

We will continue to keep you updated as the research evolves. You can stay informed by visiting reputable sources of information, including your medical center’s website and the sites below:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC.gov

• US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): fda.gov

• World Health Organization (WHO): WHO.int

^{Citations
1 - This is what an antibody test could mean for the Covid-19 pandemic - CNN Video. (2020, April 10). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2020/04/10/antibody-tests-fauci-week-or-so-gupta-dnt-lead-vpx.cnn}