Guide To Coronavirus Antibody Tests On Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY -- Although experts are cautioning against using coronavirus antibody tests to determine individual behavior, noting that immunity after exposure is still unknown, many Long Islanders are curious about the possibility that they have COVID-19 antibodies. Last week, Governor Cuomo announced preliminary results of a random sample that found up to 16% of Long Islanders had COVID-19 antibodies,while over 20% of New York City residents showed positive results in the random sampling.

The blood tests look for the presence of a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG) that is the result of past or recent exposure to COVID-19. According to Quest Diagnostics, the human body produces IgG antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus. It usually takes around 10 to 18 days to produce enough antibodies to be detected in the blood. There are a range of antibody tests on the market with a range of accuracy, and consumers should be aware that there is a risk of false positives. Anyone who believes they are currently sick or was sick in the last two weeks should seek a traditional live virus nasal swab COVID-19 test (PCR.)

Quest Diagnostics is offering an antibody test directly through their labs, without the need for a doctor's visit. The test costs $119 and consists of a traditional blood draw.

According to a representative for the company, Quest is using the Abbott IgG test, which is FDA-approved for emergency use. The company states that the specifity of the test is 98.5-99%

"This also means low risk of cross reactivity, which we have further established with our own independent validation of this test. As stated in literature provided by Abbott, analytical specificity of the Abbott IgG antibody test is 99.4%. This also means low risk of cross reactivity, which we have further established with our own independent validation of this test."

City MD is also offering an IgG serum antibody test and list the criteria for testing as:

If you previously had COVID-19 symptoms (fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, body aches) and have recovered after 14 days. If you received a positive test result for COVID-19 and have recovered after 14 days. If you believe you have come in contact with someone who had the COVID-19 virus."

Tests are available on a walk-in basis.

AFC Urgent Care is offering the COVID-19 antibody test only at its West Islip location. Results come back in one to three days.

Read the official New York State guidelines on coronavirus testing here.