Antibody Testing

An antibody is a blood protein produced in the body that combines chemically with bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. Antibodies help to fight infections and also indicate evidence of past infections.

It is not known if evidence of antibodies means you are immune (protected) from a second infection (re-infection).

Rochester Regional Health Laboratories (RRHL) are able to perform high-quality, validated assays for COVID-19; the full name for this test is “SARS-CoV-2 AB.” Appropriately validated serology tests for antibodies can be used to show evidence of prior infection- a recent infection or an infection in the past.

For a listing of RRH Laboratories that offer COVID-19 antibody testing, see below. Testing is also offered through Rochester Regional Health Immediate Cares - but only as part of an urgent care visit.

The current cost for COVID-19 antibody testing is $100, payable prior to testing. RRH will not bill your insurance for this testing. If you believe your insurance may cover some or all of this testing cost, please contact your insurance carrier to determine if you may be eligible for full or partial reimbursement.

Review your test results with your provider - sometimes additional testing may be needed. If your test is “positive”– it means there are antibodies; if your test is “negative”– it means antibodies are not found. Not everyone who has been infected with COVID-19 will develop an antibody response, and it is currently not known how long antibodies may persist following infection. A “positive” antibody test result does not guarantee that you cannot get infected again- you must still continue masking, social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene- otherwise, you could get sick again or infect others.