What To Know About COVID-19 Antibody Testing
What is the COVID-19 antibody test?
An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are formed when fighting infection, like COVID-19. An antibody test assesses whether your immune systems has responded to the infection, not if the virus is currently present.
Specifically, the COVID-19 antibody test used by the Red Cross is available through Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Test results may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.
What’s the difference between a diagnostic test and an antibody test?
A diagnostic test detects current infection. An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are formed when fighting infection, like COVID-19. An antibody test assesses whether your immune systems has responded to the infection, not if the virus or infection is currently active.
The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test, and positive antibody test results do not confirm infection or immunity; a positive antibody test indicates potential exposure to the virus. Individuals who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should not present to donate until they are symptom free for 14 days.
Do donors need to have a successful donation to receive an antibody test result?
Yes. Donors will need to have a successful donation to receive COVID-19 antibody results. Per standard donation procedure, only successful donations are sent to our laboratory for testing.
How long will the Red Cross be antibody testing?
The Red Cross plans to test blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies through early January. We will assess whether or extend this date further as we continue to plan and respond to the evolving challenges of the pandemic.
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