MD Now uses Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay, which test for Spike Protein Antibodies.

The body makes a class of proteins called antibodies which bind to organisms (i.e. COVID-19 virus) in order to fight off infection. Our bodies make multiple different antibodies which bind selectively to various components of the COVID-19 virus. We now have blood tests to detect this distinct Spike Protein antibody.

The antibody test we use is a blood serum test to detect Spike Protein Antibodies. This test can measure the quantity of antibodies of the spike protein of COVID-19. The medical assistant/phlebotomist will collect a blood sample through venipuncture and send the specimen to our partnering lab.

Spike Protein Antibodies are detected in most people 14 days after complete vaccination series or onset symptoms of COVID-19. These long-term antibodies mean you were most likely exposed to COVID-19 in the past or have successfully completed a vaccine series and may allow you to return to your normal daily activities.

Antibodies are typically detected 2 weeks from the onset of symptoms or after the complete administration of a vaccine series (i.e. two weeks after you receive your second dose of Moderna and Pfizer, or two weeks after the single dose of Johnson & Johnson)

Results from our antibody test are provided as Detected (Positive) or Not Detected (Negative) and are also provided as a numerical value ranging from 0.80 to 2,500 U/mL. Positive results are greater than 0.80, and those that receive a result of 2,500 U/mL indicate a high antibody level.

Yes, our antibody test is authorized by the FDA. In collaboration with one of the top CLIA-certified high complexity laboratories in the nation and one that is qualified to perform this type of testing, MD NOW’s COVID-19 antibody testing is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

It is still unclear if having antibodies to COVID-19 means that you are immune to reinfection.

Testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies means you have been successfully vaccinated or were likely exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the past. It is still unclear if having antibodies to COVID-19 means you are immune to re-infection.