This article was updated on May 25th, 2024

Deciding whether to get an antibody test depends on several factors, including your personal health situation, your goals for testing, and current public health guidelines. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

What is an Antibody Test?

An antibody test, also known as a serology test, detects antibodies in your blood that indicate a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Unlike diagnostic tests (like PCR or rapid antigen tests), which detect active infections, antibody tests show if you had a previous infection.

Reasons to Consider an Antibody Test

1. Assessing Past Infection: If you suspect you had COVID-19 but never received a diagnosis, an antibody test can confirm a past infection.
2. Public Health Studies: Your antibody test results could contribute to public health research and studies aimed at understanding the spread of the virus and the population's immunity levels.
3. Potential Immunity: Knowing your antibody status might provide some information about potential immunity, although the extent and duration of immunity following infection are still being studied.

Limitations of Antibody Testing

1. Timing: Antibodies may not be detectable until 1-3 weeks after infection. If you test too soon, you might get a false negative result.
2. Uncertainty About Immunity: Having antibodies does not necessarily mean you are immune to reinfection. Current evidence suggests that immunity can wane over time, and new variants may evade prior immunity.
3. Not for Active Infection: Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. If you suspect you currently have COVID-19, you should get a PCR or antigen test.

Guidance from Health Authorities

1. CDC Recommendations: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that antibody tests can be useful for identifying past infections but advises against using them to make decisions about returning to work or for public health decisions without supporting data.
2. FDA Guidance: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that while antibody tests can provide information about previous infections, they should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosing COVID-19 or determining immunity.
3. WHO Guidelines: The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that antibody tests can play a role in understanding the epidemiology of COVID-19, but they emphasize the need for more research on the implications of antibody presence for immunity.

Practical Considerations

• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss your interest in getting an antibody test with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice based on your health history and the latest guidelines.
• Understand the Purpose: Be clear about why you want an antibody test and how the results will impact your decisions. If you're participating in a public health study or seeking confirmation of a past infection, an antibody test may be appropriate.
• Current Symptoms: If you have current symptoms of COVID-19, seek a diagnostic test (PCR or rapid antigen test) instead of an antibody test.

Conclusion

Antibody tests can provide useful information about past COVID-19 infections but have limitations regarding immunity and timing. Always consult with your healthcare provider to understand if an antibody test is appropriate for you and follow the latest public health guidelines. For more information, you can refer to the CDC and FDA websites.