Antibody Testing for COVID-19

Please read our blog post from Carbon Health's Dr. Caesar Djavaherian Coronavirus Testing: Finding the Right One for You and Your Family

Who is eligible?

Anyone who needs to know whether they have ever been infected are appropriate candidates for testing. Please know that testing eligibility will be determined by your clinician.

What is the cost?

If you have insurance in-network with Carbon Health there is no fee or cost to you as the patient. You can supply us with your insurance details, preferably when you book your appointment online, or via the Carbon Health app.

If you have insurance that is not contracted with Carbon Health, for example Kaiser HMO or Medi-Cal, there is no fee or cost to you as a patient. You will still need to supply us with your insurance details, preferably when you book your appointment online, or via the Carbon Health app.

If you are not insured, there is no fee or cost to you as the patient. As part of the Families First and CARES Act, you will have to fill out a short form at the clinic at the time of your COVID-19 Serology testing appointment.

How can I get a test?

To get tested, schedule an appointment at a Carbon clinic for an assessment. Serology / Antibody testing is not available in our Mobile Clinic that is traveling around the Bay Area.

How long does it take to get results back? 

COVID-19 serology/antibody results may take 3 to 4 days to process. However, this will vary based on the volume of tests received by the labs. Once the results are in, you will receive a call or a message from one of our providers with next steps.

If I test positive for this test, is it safe to go back to work without a mask or safety protocols?

Based on current evidence, it is unclear whether the presence of SARS-CoV2 virus (COVID) antibodies results in immunity. Decisions about ongoing monitoring or return to normal activities should be made after discussing with your clinician.

What does a Negative Result indicate?

A negative serologic test result indicates that you have not developed detectable antibodies at the time of testing. This may be due to having testing performed too early in the course of COVID-19, the absence of exposure to the virus, or the lack of an adequate immune response. 

A negative test does not completely rule out a past or present infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus and correlation with a PCR test like the Rapid test may be considered to look for an active infection. A negative result should not be used to influence social distancing, hand hygiene or use of protective equipment decisions.

Why is Carbon Health offering this test?

The COVID-19 serology test does not diagnose you with an active SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, but it can provide some information about whether a patient has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus at least 4 days or more ago. Serology testing along with each individual’s clinical scenario can provide some information to patients particularly when the test is negative. In certain populations, this information can help them better understand what their exposures have been. 

What does it mean for me if I test positive with the antibody test? 

A positive serologic test result indicates that you have likely produced an immune response to the SARS-CoV2 virus (COVID) or one of a subset of the other types of coronaviruses (HKU1, NL63, OC43 or 229E). A positive test result does not exclude an active infection and it is not known if the antibody confers clinical immunity.

It is very important to keep in mind that this test does not indicate whether you currently have an active infection or whether you are infectious. A PCR test may be recommended to help identify an active infection. Keep in mind that patients can remain infectious for many weeks after they are infected with the virus. A positive test means you may or may not pass the infection along to others. 

Based on current evidence, it is unclear whether the presence of these antibodies result in immunity. Decisions about ongoing monitoring or return to normal activities should be made after discussing with your clinician.

Do I need to retake the test every few weeks to continue to confirm immunity? 

Since the serology test is relevant to potential infections that have occurred 4 or more days after your illness, repeat testing is unnecessary unless you develop a new potential infection. These tests are most accurate when you test negative though suggesting that you have not had exposure to coronavirus.

If I test positive for this test, will Carbon Health be selling my information for antibody research purposes?

No, your healthcare is between you and your care team and is always confidential. 

What is the false negative rate for the test?

Although the exact number is not known, the range that LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics have published depends on the number of days after your infection you are tested. The longer the duration, the fewer false negatives. 

Is this test FDA approved?

We are working with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for our serology testing. Currently there are no COVID-19 serology tests that have been FDA approved, however the tests we use are aligned with the latest FDA guidelines and policies under the Emergency Use Authorization.

Please click Submit Request or call your nearest Carbon Health clinic for more information.