How to Get Tested for COVID-19 Antibodies
May 28, 2020
If you think you previously had Coronavirus but aren’t sure, you may be interested in getting a free antibody test. This is a blood sample test that will determine whether or not you carry the antibodies of the SARS-CoV-2 disease.
It is important to note that there is no evidence that having antibodies means that you are immune to contracting the virus again so it is important to continue wearing a mask or face covering and keep six feet between yourself and others.
Where do I get tested?
- Check with your healthcare provider to see if they offer antibody tests.
- Make an appointment with Bioreference, in partnership with NYC
– Tests are available to NYC residents in the five boroughs who are age 18 and over.
– To find out if you are eligible to receive an antibody test through Bioreference, a partner of NYC, you can visit https://www.bioreference-appointments.com/nyc or via telephone at (888)279-0967 (Hours of Operation are M-F 8 AM-8 PM; Sat/Sun 9 AM-5 PM).
- Get Tested at an Urgent Care Center Near You
-CityMD offers COVID-19 antibody tests for walk-ins only at all locations. There are certain requirements you must meet in order to be eligible to get tested: 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, or if you believe you have come in contact with someone who had the COVID-19 virus.
– Other urgent care centers like StatCare also offer antibody testing in outdoor tents to keep their staff and patients safe and distant from their other patients.
How long will it take to get my results?
Typically, 3-5 days.
If your test results show that your blood contains a certain amount of antibodies you may be able to donate blood plasma. This donation might help people recover who are currently infected with the novel coronavirus.
Are there any other ways I can help?
If you do not have the antibodies to donate blood plasma you may want to consider donating blood. The pandemic has caused a shortage of the U.S. blood supply due to a decrease in donations and blood drives. Blood banks are currently accepting donations and are taking precautions to practice social distancing for the health and safety of staff and donors. One blood donation can save up to three lives!
To find out where you can donate blood, check out the links below:
http://www.aabb.org/tm/donation/Pages/Blood-Bank-Locator.aspx
https://www.redcrossblood.org/
