Antibody testing in The Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust (LUHFT)
COVID-19 Antibody testing is a blood test to look whether somebody has produced an immune response (antibodies) to SARS-CoV2, either through infection or immunisation. The test detects antibodies (including IgG) to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein.
A positive result indicates the individual has either been immunised or infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus in the last few weeks or months
A negative result does not exclude prior infection or immunisation as a small number of people do not produce a detectable immune reaction even when they had confirmed COVID-19 by PCR.
Currently it is unknown whether immunity to SARS-CoV2 after infection develops and protects the individual against future infection and how long it lasts. It is therefore important to continue to follow Infection Prevention and Control Guidance regardless of the result of the antibody test
