Covid IgG Antibody Test

The COVID IgG Antibody test helps determine if you have been infected by COVID-19 in the past. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which affects your lungs and other body organs.

The COVID IgG Antibody test is a blood test that determines the presence of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Antibodies are proteins produced by your immune system to protect against certain infections. 

If you have had COVID-19 symptoms in the past or if you have had persistent symptoms for a long time COVID IgG test should be done. A COVID IgG antibody test does not detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to diagnose COVID-19. These tests can return a negative test result even in infected patients (for example, if antibodies have not yet developed in response to the virus) or may generate false-positive results (for example, if antibodies to another coronavirus type are detected), so they should not be used to evaluate if you are currently infected or contagious (ability to infect other people).

Other names of COVID IgG Antibody test 

• Serological test for COVID-19
• COVID-19 Serology
• COVID Antibody IgG

What does the COVID IgG Antibody test measure?

The COVID IgG Antibody test measures the COVID-19 antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are substances produced by your immune system in response to any pathogen like viruses and bacteria that enter the body. These antibodies are proteins that are specific to SARS-CoV-2. There are three types of immunoglobulins or antibodies - immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Based on their development at different stages after infection, these immunoglobulins are formed. 

The COVID IgG Antibody test focuses on the total quantity of IgG antibodies. These antibodies indicate the presence of past infection and hence take a few to several weeks to develop after exposure to SARS-CoV-2/COVID- 19 virus.

Who is the COVID IgG Antibody test prescribed for?

The COVID IgG Antibody test is prescribed for all age groups and genders. It helps identify the following health conditions:

• People with persistent COVID-19 symptoms - If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 for several weeks, your routine PCR or antigen tests may not detect it. The COVID IgG Antibody test can detect that your SARS-CoV-2 infection is a past infection. COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Cough
• Breathlessness
• Breathing difficulty
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Diarrhoea
• Sudden loss of taste or smell

• People with late-developing complications of COVID-19 - Some people develop complications of COVID-19 weeks or months after the infection. If you have delayed symptoms of COVID-19, the COVID IgG Antibody test will help determine past infections.

The COVID IgG Antibody test is suggested to people only under certain specific circumstances. These situations include:

• If you have symptoms that can be due to COVID-19
• Past infection with SARS-CoV-2
• If you are joining a research study

COVID IgG Antibody test results only show the presence or absence of the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This test cannot tell you if you are immune to COVID-19 or if the vaccination was effective.

The COVID IgG Antibody test positive report suggests that you got exposed to SARS-CoV-2. If the COVID IgG Antibody test report is negative, then you may or may not have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. There are chances of a false positive or a false negative COVID IgG Antibody test result. Hence consult your doctor and inform your symptoms, if any, to confirm the diagnosis. 

The COVID IgG Antibody test is done by taking a blood sample. This test can be combined with all your regular tests or can be done as a stand-alone test.

Test Preparation

The COVID IgG Antibody test takes a sample of your blood for testing. Your immune system requires time to produce antibodies against the COVID-19 virus. For accurate results, you must wait for at least 5-6 days after the onset of symptoms of COVID-19 infection. 

a. Before the COVID IgG Antibody test

This test does not require any preparation from your end. Inform your physician about any recent symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have received your COVID-19 vaccine.

b. During the COVID IgG Antibody test

It is a simple blood test that will get over in 5-10 minutes. You do not need to prepare for the test in any way but do not forget to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour (wear your mask properly). 

c.After the COVID IgG Antibody test

There are no restrictions after the COVID IgG Antibody test. You can resume normal activity.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included in the COVID IgG Antibody test?

The COVID IgG Antibody Test report detects the quantity of IgG antibodies present in your body that have been formed against SARS-CoV-2.

How frequently should you take the COVID IgG Antibody test?

 If your symptoms are not resolving and remain persistent for long, then the COVID IgG Antibody test helps confirm past infection. Later, your doctor may repeat the COVID IgG Antibody test to check your recovery/immune status.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/COVID-19

Depending on the city and the lab, the cost of a Covid IgG Antibody can differ. Generally, the price for a Covid IgG Antibody test ranges from INR 489 to INR 1759. Here is a detailed breakdown of the average charges for a Covid IgG Antibody test in several key cities in India: