Why it's done

Antibody testing for COVID-19 may be done if:

• You had symptoms of COVID-19 in the past but weren't tested
• You're about to have a medical procedure done in a hospital or clinic, especially if you've had a positive COVID-19 diagnostic test in the past
• You've had a COVID-19 infection in the past and want to donate plasma, a part of your blood that contains antibodies that can help treat others who have severe cases of COVID-19

If a child is sick and the doctor suspects multisystem inflammatory syndrome for children (MIS-C), antibody testing may be ordered to help diagnose MIS-C. Many children with MIS-C have antibodies to COVID-19, indicating past infection with the coronavirus.

If you're interested in having a COVID-19 antibody test, contact your doctor or your local health department. Whether or not you're eligible for testing may depend on the availability of tests in your area and local or state health department guidelines.