Covid-19 (Sars-Cov-2) Antibody IgG Test

IgG Antibody Test

IgG antibody test is a quantitative test which is used to detect presence of antibodies that are produced as an immune response to any infection, after exposure to COVID-19 antigen or after a vaccination for Covid 19. There are two types of antibodies IgM, IgG. Their role can be protective or can give evidence to the exposure of SARS CoV (covid-19).

When is IgG antibody test prescribed?

• A doctor may advise this
• In case the patient is suspected to have Covid 19
• For checking the presence of Covid 19 antibodies in the body
• Anyone who wants to know the COVID -19 status

What are the components of the IgG antibody test?

IgG shows later after the exposure. Usually, IgG antibodies becomes positive after 8-13 Days of exposure and reaches peak at around 21 Days. After 7-14 Days of exposure to the virus, the viral load decreases and antibodies start increasing which can be detected easily in the test. After 14 Days though, one may have recovered from the viral infection, but the antibody test may still remain positive because of the immune response of the body. IgG can persist longer than IgM, probably even more than 1 year.

Procedure and prerequisites

A blood sample is collected. No specific preparations required. No need to fast before the test. Anybody who wants to the COVID status can get the test with or without doctor’s prescription.

Reference Range

• Positive test indicates exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
• Negative test indicates absence of SARS-CoV-2

An antibody test is not a diagnostic test for COVID 19 infection. Antibody test can yield false negative result if the test is conducted too early. Although, some people may not develop detectable antibodies even after corona virus infection.