Our video explains what happens when we take your blood for your COVID-19 antibody test

• What does the antibody test check for?

  Our antibody testing detects if you have either previously had or been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, or that you have had a COVID-19 vaccine, and that your immune system developed antibodies in response to it. It doesn’t tell you whether you currently have COVID-19.

• Can I have an antibody test to see if I have antibodies after having the COVID-19 vaccine?

  Nuffield Health use the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Antibody assay which is the antibody that is generated by the COVID-19 vaccines. The presence of this antibody will be in response to either having had the vaccine or having been exposed to the virus.

• If I get a positive test result does it mean I’m immune to COVID-19?

  No. COVID-19 is a novel virus and it still isn’t known when the antibodies provide immunity to COVID-19.

• How does the antibody test work?

  The test looks for antibodies to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is generated by your immune system in response to either the COVID-19 vaccines and/or exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. A positive result means the antibody was detected you have either previously had or been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, or that you have had a COVID-19 vaccine. A negative result means that the antibody was undetected which means you have either not been exposed to the virus or have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, or that your immune system response to either the virus or vaccine has occurred to a lesser extent or not at all.

• How accurate is the test?

  We use the Roche spike protein IgG antibody test, which has a sensitivity of 99.8% and a specificity of 98.8% in samples taken 14 days or later after the vaccine or onset of new symptoms. No test is 100% accurate.

• How long does it take to get the results?

  Your results will be available within 72 hours.

• When can I get a test done?

  Tests can be completed after at least 14 days of having the COVID-19 vaccine, or from onset of first symptoms of a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.

• If I test positive, am I contagious?

  No. The test identifies whether you have developed antibodies in response to a past infection/exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19, or to the vaccination. This test does not tell you if you currently have the virus.

• What will Nuffield Health do with my result?

  A positive or negative result will follow the mandatory reporting process to Public Health England, as per Government guidelines.

• If I have symptoms can I get tested?

  The NHS provides PCR testing, which will tell you if you currently have COVID-19.

• Can I do an at-home test?

  This test isn’t currently available for home use.