Antibody (blood) test

Antibody testing forms part of the Government’s testing programme. The antibody testing service to check if you've had COVID-19 closed in March 2022.

Current evidence seems to suggest that those who have had the virus do not develop long-lasting immunity which would prevent them from getting the virus again, as it is possible for people to get COVID-19 a second time. Antibody testing at this stage is useful primarily to improve our understanding about the spread of the virus.

In order to better understand the role that an antibody test could play in our response to the epidemic, we need to improve our understanding of how the immune system responds to the virus that causes Covid-19. This is being done through antibody research and surveys. We do not currently know how long an antibody response to the virus lasts.

Testing positive after an antibody test does not, therefore, mean you are immune. Anyone who tests positive with an antibody test must continue to follow Government guidelines to protect themselves and others. They must continue to:

  • wash their hands regularly (for at least 20 seconds),
  • follow any social distancing guidance where these remain in place (usually health and care environments),
  • wear face coverings where this requirement remains in place and in crowded in-door locations,
  • wear PPE in all the circumstances it was worn previously (where applicable).

Having a positive antibody test does not mean you cannot get the virus again.

Our understanding of the virus will grow as new scientific evidence and studies emerge.

 

Antibody testing is available to NHS staff and patients in the same way as it is available to the public in general, which is for anyone who is taking part in a research study.

Any taking part in the research should follow the protocols identified by the research body.

The antibody test is a blood test. There is no strong evidence of long-lasting immunity. If you have had the antibody test and the result was positive (it showed you have had the virus) you should still wear PPE as necessary and continue to follow any social distancing guidance applicable in your workplace or other venues you visit.

Antibody testing is chiefly for surveillance and should not be used to curb swab testing programmes in any way.

Antibody test request form.

Antibody testing is now only available to those taking part in research studies.

A positive antibody test result (it showed you have had the virus) means you should still wear PPE as necessary and continue to follow hand washing and other infection prevention guidance.

Antibody tests are not currently available for care home residents. 

Antibody testing is chiefly for surveillance and should not be used to curb swab testing programmes in any way. 

The antibody test is not currently available for the general public except for anyone participating in antibody research. Testing is voluntary. The antibody test is a fingerpick test. Anyone involved in antibody testing research should follow the guidance issued by the body undertaking the research.

A positive antibody test result (it showed you have had the virus) means you should still wear PPE as necessary and continue to follow infection prevention guidance and advice.

Antibody testing is chiefly for surveillance and should not be used to curb testing programmes in any way.

Page last updated: 17:41, 06/05/2022
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