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Covid-19 Antibody Testing

Serology Testing

COVID-19 IgG Antibody Testing at Beaumont

Antibody testing for COVID-19 is available at Beaumont Laboratory locations throughout Southeast Michigan. Please talk to your doctor to determine if this blood test is right for you.

Frequently asked questions


Yes, please obtain a doctor’s order to have this test performed.

  • Your doctor should order this test if they want to know whether you were previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
  • Although it is not known at this time if the presence of COVID-19 IgG antibodies protects against re-infection, they are thought to provide some level of immunity. 
  • A positive IgG result would provide evidence that you have been previously exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
  • A negative IgG result would suggest you have not been exposed to COVID-19.
  • A patient may test negative if a sample is collected too soon after the infection (approximately prior to day 10).
  • Most individuals will develop antibodies within 14-21 days.
  • Blood specimens can be collected at a Beaumont Laboratory Patient Service Center or at your physician’s office and sent to Beaumont Laboratory for processing.
  • Visit, beaumont.org/laboratory to find a location near you.

Expected turnaround time is three to five business days but may vary depending on a variety of factors including demand for the test.
  • Your results will be sent to your doctor.
  • For the fastest access we encourage you to sign up for myBeaumontChart
  • Beaumont is complying with all current guidelines for social distancing and PPE to keep our patients and our employees safe.
  • Visit, beaumont.org/safe to learn more about the ways we are keeping you safe.
  • Serology testing for antibodies is covered by insurance in accordance with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act
  • Contact the Beaumont Laboratory for more information about pricing if you do not have insurance coverage.

Yes. Serology is the diagnostic examination of blood serum, especially the response of your immune system to pathogens. A serology test looks for antibodies.

Molecular testing is used to diagnose COVID-19. It detects viral genetic material from a nasal swab. Molecular testing is most useful early on when you have symptoms of infection. The ability to detect the virus decreases as you recover. By day 10 after the onset of symptoms, the ability to detect the virus decreases. After 10 days any virus detected typically does not represent a live/infectious virus.

Unlike the molecular test, a blood test for COVID-19 IgG antibody is not diagnostic for a current infection. The presence of an IgG antibody is a measurement of your immune response to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. It provides evidence of a previous exposure. The test is particularly useful in individuals who were asymptomatic or experienced mild symptoms and were never diagnosed with COVID-19. Most individuals will develop antibodies or seroconvert between 14-21 days post-exposure.

The antibody test offered by Beaumont has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA. The test was independently validated by the laboratory and deemed to have acceptable performance characteristics for clinical purposes.