This antibody test can determine whether your body has naturally produced antibodies in response to a past Covid-19 infection, or whether your immune system has developed antibodies following vaccination. This is a quantitative test which means that your results will provide a numerical value for the level of antibodies present. Therefore, by testing again in the future, you can monitor your antibody levels over time.
This Covid-19 antibody test is available at our clinics throughout Ireland and provides fast, highly accurate results.
Which samples are needed?
This test requires a blood sample. At your appointment, a trained clinician will collect the sample from your arm and send it to our laboratory for fast and accurate testing.
How accurate is this test?
This antibody test is highly accurate, with 99.98% sensitivity and 98.8% specificity at 14 days after symptoms began. This test is also suitable if you have not had symptoms of Covid-19 but want to find out whether you have produced antibodies in response to a previous Covid-19 infection or after having the vaccine.
How does this test work?
This test will indicate the presence and level of antibodies against the Spike protein in your blood. The Spike protein is the target of many Covid-19 vaccines. Therefore, this test can determine whether you have had a vaccine-induced immune response. It is also a suitable antibody test if you have not had the vaccine.
How do I get my results?
Your results will be ready two working days after your sample’s arrival at our laboratory. As soon as your results are available, we will email you to let you know that they are ready to view online. You can access this area using the unique log-in details you will receive at the time of booking. If you would like to be contacted by phone or SMS instead, please let our booking team know.
Can I test from home instead?
If you do not want to book a clinic appointment, an alternative option is our Covid-19 Antibody Nurse Kit. Available to order online, we will send your Nurse Kit to you by post. You must then find a qualified medical practitioner or nurse to collect a blood sample from your arm. Your kit will include everything you need to have your sample taken correctly, and a postage-paid return envelope to send your sample to our laboratory for analysis.
What if I test positive?
Your results will indicate whether you have had Covid-19 in the past and produced antibodies in response, or you have developed antibodies due to the vaccine.
Research suggests that the presence of antibodies may provide protection to Covid-19 for up to six months. However, the link between antibodies and immunity has not yet been confirmed. You may still be able to pass the virus to others or catch the virus again.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result indicates that Covid-19 specific antibodies were not detected. You may have tested negative due to one of the following:
- You have never had Covid-19.
- You had Covid-19 but your body did not produce specific antibodies to fight the infection. Instead, other innate immune system factors may have contributed towards your recovery.
- You had Covid-19 but any antibodies produced are no longer detectable.
- You are currently infected with Covid-19 but your body has not started to produce antibodies yet.
- You had the vaccine, but you tested too early for any antibodies produced to be detected.
- You had the vaccine, but the vaccine was not effective.
How do I book my test?
To arrange your confidential appointment, please click Book Now and find your nearest clinic. Alternatively, you can call our friendly booking team on the number at the top of the page. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our team will be more than happy to find an appointment at a time convenient for you.