COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test Questions and Answers

Posted on April 28, 2020 by - Antibody Testing, COVID-19, Main Street Family Care

Nurse with blood test and patient in hospital – Female doctor holding small plastic vial and person’s arm with wadding – Young adult in a medical clinic for analyses
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These days, we all have Coronavirus questions that need to be answered. We’ve provided some helpful COVID-19 antibody blood test questions and answers that might make life a little easier.

How does the COVID-19 antibody blood test work?

We will draw a sample of your blood and test it for the antibodies your body creates when fighting COVID-19. You should have your results in 3-7 days.

What does the COVID-19 antibody blood test tell me?

The COVID-19 antibody test determines if you had COVID-19.  It will not tell you if you currently have it. It will not tell if you are over it. We do offer a COVID-19 viral test or a rapid antigen test that will tell you if you currently have a COVID-19 viral infection.

If I had COVID-19 and I’m over the infection, does that mean I can’t get Coronavirus again? Is this a test for immunity?

We don’t know the answer to this quite yet. How long you would be immune is not currently known. And it is not certain that you would be immune. You can find more details regarding this topic here.

How do I know if I currently HAVE Coronavirus OR if I am OVER it?

Different tests, the COVID19 viral test and rapid antigen test, use a swab. One of these tests is needed to tell you if you currently have it. We offer these tests as well.

What is the difference between this test (the COVID-19 blood antibody test), the COVID-19 viral test, and the rapid antigen test?

  • This COVID-19 blood antibody test tells you if you HAD Coronavirus.
  • The COVID-19 viral test or rapid antigen test tells you if you HAVE it and are currently infected with Coronavirus.
  • This COVID-19 blood antibody test uses a small amount of blood we draw from your arm. This tests for your body’s immune response to the virus.

What is the cost for the COVID-19 antibody blood test that tells me if I HAD Coronavirus?

Similar to a regular visit, you will walk-in the clinic, submit your insurance information. Congress directed insurance companies to cover COVID-19 testing. Our expectation is that insurance companies will comply. Please read more about the costs of COVID testing here before visiting the clinic.

If you do not have insurance, we offer a $125 simple service fee which covers the blood draw needed for the test and your entire visit. LabCorp will send you a bill directly for the remaining cost of $100.

Where can I go to get the COVID antibody blood test?

You can go to any MainStreet Family Care or KidsStreet Urgent Care for testing.

Can you come out to my car to perform the COVID-19 antibody test?

No, this blood draw must be taken inside the clinic. You can learn more about our process for COVID testing here.

How soon can I get the results of my COVID-19 antibody blood test?

The test is blood draw and test results are available in approximately 3 to 7 days.

Will my insurance cover this antibody test?

We are waiving copays for all patients needing COVID-19 antibody blood tests. Congress directed insurance companies to cover COVID-19 testing. Our expectation is that insurance companies will comply. Please learn more about the costs of COVID testing here before visiting the clinic.

What if I don’t have insurance?

If you do not have insurance, you will pay a $125 simple service fee which covers your visit at MainStreet.  LabCorp will bill you $100 for the antibody test.

What if I still have more questions?

We hope this answered all your antibody blood test questions. However, if you’re still looking for more information, you can head to our Q&A blog featuring our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Taylor.

If you feel you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 immediately.