COVID-19 Testing:

Antibody Testing

See your body's natural response to COVID-19

  • COVID-19 Antibody Testing by chemiluminescence (CLIA) or ELISA

  • Testing is for isotype-specific IgG, IgM and IgA COVID-19 spike protein and nucleocapsid antibodies

  • Positive result indicates an individual has mounted an immune response against the virus or in response to vaccination, and is protected against severe course of infection or reinfection

  • A positive antibody result may exempt employees from future testing

  • Specimens are collected by blood draw

 

The cash price for this test is $125

  • Includes laboratory testing and specimen collection fees

  • Testing may be covered by private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and other governmental reimbursers.

  • For more information on KSL Diagnostics test pricing and policies, see below or call 1-800-960-1080 to speak with a representative.

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Click or tap here to view technical details of this test.

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ANTIBODY TEST

  • Post-infection/post-vaccine

  • Measure's body's response

  • May indicate protection

SCHEDULE TEST | $125

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a COVID-19 antibody test?

  • With the recent FDA approval of vaccines for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), testing that quantitatively measures the production of these specific antibodies toward COVID-19 has become clinically valuable in the evaluation of vaccine response. The recently approved mRNA vaccines induce antibody response against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Spike protein antibodies demonstrate potent antiviral activity and correlate with potential immunity. Antibodies against the virus after a natural COVID-19 infection are present; however, these significantly decrease over time. The duration of antibody protection varies from person-to-person. Likewise, antibody levels can determine protection from COVID-19 infection post-vaccination. The presence of antibodies in both cases may indicate protection against severe course of infection or reinfection.



What makes KSL's antibody testing special?

  • KSL offers a NYSDOH-approved test for measurement of antibodies to spike and nucleocapsid proteins. Recognizing the need for tests to determine immune response post-infection or post-vaccination, KSL has designed and developed its highly accurate, isotype-specific IgG, IgM and IgA chemiluminescence immunoassays against the COVID-19 spike and nucleocapsid proteins—effectively detecting and differentiating between post-infection and vaccine-mediated antibody response (including Pfizer and Moderna vaccines).

  • Many COVID-19 antibody tests are not valid for testing vaccine effectiveness due to targeting the wrong proteins or suffering from poor sensitivity and specificity. KSL’s COVID-19 antibody test provides a peace of mind, detecting an immune response in both vaccinated and previously COVID-19 infected individuals.



What are COVID-19 antibodies?

  • Antibodies are one way an individual’s immune system fights infections. People with a healthy immune system develop antibodies against COVID-19 virus shortly after infection. These antibodies are detectable by laboratory tests after about one week after initial infection. In most people, the antibodies clear the COVID-19 infection after about two weeks. While the antibodies are detectable later than the virus, they may help establish the initial diagnosis of a symptomatic patient and offer additional benefits such as:

    • Antibodies indicate an individual’s resistance to the virus and reinfection. If the virus is no longer detectable, these people present a minimal risk of spreading the virus.
    • Contact tracing. Antibodies persist after an infection is resolved, so COVID-19 antibodies can help individuals and health care practitioners trace back to the source of the COVID-19 and identify individuals that may have been exposed to the infection in the past



What is a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA)?

  • An immunoassay is a test that measures biomarkers through binding with antibodies and/or antigens. Chemiluminescence allows these reactions to be detected through emission of light. The KSL COVID-19 antibody tests utilize a high throughput chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) instrument to detect these antibodies.



What can my COVID-19 test results tell me?

  • Consult this table for basic interpretation of results. This is a guide. Please consult your healthcare provider assistance with your diagnosis and more detailed information.



How much does the test cost and who pays for it?

  • The cost for COVID-19 Virus Testing by RT-PCR (CPT Code U0004) or COVID-19 IgG, IgM, IgA Antibody Testing by CLIA (CPT Codes 86769 x3) is $100 per test, plus $25 for specimen collection ($125 total for each test). Learn more about RT-PCR virus testing here. Testing may be covered by private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and other governmental reimbursers. If you have specific questions, please call KSL at 1-800-960-1080 to speak with a representative.



Does insurance cover this test?

  • Insurance will generally only cover testing for patients with suspected COVID-19 exposure and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. For all other COVID-19 testing needs—including travel, pre-operative, and elective COVID-19 testing—please contact your insurance company.



Are these tests approved by FDA?

  • The COVID-19 tests currently offered by KSL are approved by FDA through Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).



How can I be tested?

  • KSL offers local specimen draws and specimen collection kits for physicians and health care providers throughout the US. Kits may be ordered by calling 1-800-960-1080 or completing a request on the website.