Member Updates & Information
Antibody Test Frequently Asked Questions
Serology tests measure the presence of antibodies in our blood. Antibodies are made by the immune system as the body’s response to a threat and can help determine if someone has been infected with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in the past.
There are limitations to serology testing including false positive or false negative results—even in the tests that have been authorized by the FDA. In addition, many of the tests have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The tests will not indicate whether an individual has an active infection of COVID-19. Additionally, as recently stated in the CDC Guidelines, the following remains uncertain:
- Whether individuals with antibodies are protected against reinfection with SARS-CoV-2;
- What level of antibodies is needed to give protection;
- The duration of any protection that might exist; and
- Whether the presence of antibodies means the person can’t still transmit the virus, as it is common for people who do not have any symptoms to spread the virus to others.
Antibody testing is not designed to be a diagnostic test and has limited value in the management and treatment of an individual patient.
These tests can play a valuable public health role in the surveillance of communities by the CDC to track where the virus has been and where it is headed next.
Unfortunately, the presence of antibodies does not mean you can’t transmit the virus to others. Even with antibodies, it is still unknown whether you can catch the virus again. It is also common for people who do not have any symptoms to spread the virus to others.
It is unlikely the test results will give you peace of mind because there are so many variables. For example, the test cannot tell you if you are immune/are protected from the virus. It also provides varying levels of accuracy and could display a false positive or false negative result—even in the tests that have received FDA authorization.
No. The decision to be tested for antibodies should be made in partnership with your doctor who will need to provide a written order. He/she can also fully review the limitations of testing and help determine any benefit.
Effective May 12, 2023 testing for COVID-19 and in-office or virtual visit testing related services will be processed in accordance with member benefits. This includes any applicable member cost-sharing (including copay, coinsurance and deductible) and network limitations.