Antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2: key information
Information for healthcare workers on the types of coronavirus (COVID-19) antibody tests available and how to interpret results.
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People are increasingly accessing antibody testing, either through surveillance activities, private providers or directly through government-supported services.
This guidance is intended to assist healthcare workers in:
- interpreting results
- discussions with patients regarding antibody testing, vaccination, infection and risk
It is not intended to direct clinical care but should provide guidance to professionals.
The guidance outlines that:
- the presence of detectable circulating antibodies will almost certainly result in a mitigation of disease severity on exposure to virus, but antibody status alone cannot be used to confidently assure against protection from infection
- over 99% of people generate antibodies after a full schedule of vaccination and this response is anticipated to remain detectable for at least 10 months. Waning mechanics are not fully understood and vary between individuals
- waning of antibodies below detectable range over time will likely not result in loss of protection from severe disease, but infections are highly likely to be possible
- different variants are more likely to evade any protection afforded by previous infection by another variant or by vaccination but disease severity is still likely to be mitigated
Last updated 4 April 2022 + show all updates
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Updated 'Antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2: key information'.
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Updated to add a link to 'Extended information for medical professionals and researchers on using and interpreting SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests'.
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Updated to reflect formation of UKHSA, changed duration of antibody kinetics and protection due to new evidence and updated use-cases for antibody testing.
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First published.