COVID-19 antibody blood testing

The Polyclinic offers the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody blood test authorized by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Abbott Labs and UW Medicine have confirmed that this test is highly accurate and reliable. 

Test results are usually available in MyChart in 24 hours. We are required to share your results, positive or negative, with King County Public Health. If you have questions about this test, please talk with your doctor. 

This test is used to: 

• Confirm past exposure to or infection with the COVID-19 virus (two or more weeks ago)
• Provide insights into the community’s exposure rates to COVID-19 
• Help public health officials better determine past and current COVID-19 infections compared to population size

This test does not:

• Test for immunity to COVID-19
• Determine protection against COVID-19 re-infection
• Diagnose a current COVID-19 infection
• Prove that you cannot infect others with COVID-19
• Replace important infection-control practices, including social distancing, cough hygiene, hand washing and limiting contact with people at increased risk for serious illness

The test has only been authorized by the FDA under EUA and does not have extensive validation studies.

What testing results mean:

• If you test positive, it’s likely that you were exposed to or infected with the COVID-19 virus more than two weeks ago.
• If you test negative, it’s unlikely that you were exposed or infected with the COVID-19 virus more than two weeks ago.
• If you’re interested in getting tested, talk with your primary care provider. Blood draws for antibody testing are done at The Polyclinic Madison Center lab.

By Trong Tony Trinh, MD, MPH

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.