COVID-19 Blood Test

Some people who are infected don’t have any symptoms and don’t feel sick. Most people have mild symptoms, but some people can have severe symptoms that may include:

• Fever (>100.4 F)
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Other less common symptoms may include:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Body or muscle aches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Signs of a serious medical condition include, but are not limited to: severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

If you are having a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

For individuals that previously experienced some of the symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, testing can help aid in the diagnosis of having had the infection. Individuals experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus can assess the severity of the infection.

Additionally, the quantitative results of this total antibody test can help a physician evaluate the body’s immune response to the disease.

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Although rapid tests are easier to administer, they are the most unreliable and the World Health Organization recommends against their use. In fact, some rapid tests claiming to have 93% to 97% reliability actually have been found to be about 20%. Because Health’s clinical approach always puts quality and safety ahead of speed.

A positive result may not always mean that current symptoms are due to COVID-19 infection. Test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations in making a final diagnosis. We recommend the RT-PCR DNA test done in conjunction with the total antibody test.

In the event of a false positive result, patients management could include the following: self-isolation, monitoring of household or other close contacts for symptoms, limit all contact with family or friends, limits in the ability to work, or a delayed diagnosis and treatment for the true infection causing the symptoms.

A negative result means that SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies were not present in the specimen collected above the limit of detection. However, a negative result should always be considered in the context of clinical observations, and not be used as the sole basis to rule out COVID-19 or active infection.

Individuals tested early after infection may not have detectable total antibody despite an active infection, and not all individuals will develop a detectable total antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Direct testing for the virus should always be performed in any patient suspected of having COVID-19.

To mitigate a false negative test, direct testing for the virus with the RT-PCR DNA test should also be performed.

Risks of a false negative could include: delayed or lack of early treatment, lack of isolating the individual infected, lack of monitoring and isolating their household or other close contacts resulting in increased risk of spread of COVID-19.

Most patients with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and will recover within 2 weeks without any specific treatment, but can receive supportive care. Treatments for mild cases focus on managing symptoms as there is currently no treatment for COVID-19. For patients experiencing severe symptoms, hospitalization and respiratory support may be required. Early phone contact with your primary care physician is recommended to avoid delays and worse outcomes.