Covid-19 Antibody and Vaccine Immunity Test
£64.00ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 24 SAMPLE RETURN INCLUDED
This test bundle combines our two COVID-19 antibody tests:
COVID-19 Antibody Test: This test looks for COVID-19 antibodies in a blood sample. Antibodies are made by the body in response to the virus. A positive antibody result indicates that you have had the COVID-19 virus in the past. This test will not provide you with a numerical value.
COVID-19 Vaccine Immunity Test: This test looks for COVID-19 spike protein antibodies in a blood sample. All currently available vaccines use the spike protein to produce an immune response. A positive antibody result indicates that you have produced antibodies in response to the vaccine or past COVID-19 infection.
The COVID-19 vaccine immunity test will also provide a numerical value that indicates the amount of antibodies. There is currently not enough data to indicate whether or not a higher number of antibodies indicates a stronger immune response or a greater level of immunity.
Important: these tests are available for people aged over 18 only. Please collect and post your sample to us Monday-Thursday, to avoid delays over the weekend. In a small number of cases, it may not always be possible to provide a result, please see our terms and conditions for details.
Understanding your vaccine immunity test result
The difference in antibody levels between individuals is not currently well understood. The range of positive values that can be measured by our vaccine immunity test is from 0.8 U/mL to 25,000 U/mL (U stands for units). We see values across this range and above. The presence of any detectable antibody i.e. a positive test, is associated with protection from a severe form of COVID-19. Beyond this, there is currently not enough evidence to relate antibody levels to a level of immune response or immunity from COVID-19. There are several trials ongoing that we hope will provide a range of antibody values post-vaccination and their relationship to immunity, but this information is not currently available.
|
Result |
% of test results |
|
negative |
4% |
|
0.8-1,000 |
17% |
|
1,000-2,500 |
11% |
|
2,500-5,000 |
14% |
|
5,000-10,000 |
15% |
|
10,000-15,000 |
10% |
|
15,000-20,000 |
5% |
|
20,000-25,000 |
5% |
|
>25,000 |
19% |
As you can see the results are spread across the measurable range and above. However, we do not know the vaccination status or infection history of those we are measuring.
What do the test results mean?
If both tests are positive or only the COVID-19 antibody test is positive then this indicates that you have previously had the COVID-19 virus.
If only the COVID-19 vaccine immunity test is positive then this indicates you have had an immune response to the vaccine.
If both tests are negative, then antibodies were not detected. This can indicate that you have not had a COVID-19 infection in the past or that antibodies have decreased to a level that can no longer be detected.
Does a positive result mean I am immune to COVID-19?
A positive test result indicates that you have had an immune response to the virus or vaccination. Unfortunately, a positive result does not mean that you are immune to the virus. It cannot tell you whether or not you can become ill with COVID-19 again. Nor can it tell you whether or not you can spread the virus to others. You should continue to follow all government guidance and restrictions.
Does this test tell me whether I have COVID-19 now?
No, this test does not tell you if you have a current COVID-19 infection. This test can only tell you if you have had COVID-19 in the past or an immune response to a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 that started less than eight days ago, then a PCR test can tell you if you have COVID-19.
Can my test be positive if I have had a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine immunity test measures SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies (spike protein antibodies). These antibodies can be made in response to any of the vaccines currently in use. A positive result can also occur from previous exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Whether or not you have had a COVID-19 vaccine, the COVID-19 antibody test can tell you if you have had the COVID-19 virus in the past. The COVID-19 antibody test measures SARS-CoV-2 N antibodies (nucleocapsid antibodies). These antibodies will not be made in response to any vaccines currently in use.
How accurate are the tests?
COVID-19 Antibody Test:
We use the Roche Anti-SARS-CoV-2 test.
Studies by the manufacturer have found that this test has a 99.5% sensitivity and a 99.8% specificity.
This means that:
- The test might miss someone who has previously had the virus in 1 out of 200 people (a false negative result).
- The test might incorrectly be positive in 1 in 500 people who have not had COVID-19 (a false positive result).
The test has been separately validated by Public Health England. We have performed our own verification to ensure that the test is fit-for-purpose and works with our home testing kits.
COVID-19 Vaccine Immunity Test:
We use the Roche Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S test
Studies by the manufacturer have found that this test has a 98.8% sensitivity and a 99.98% specificity.
This means that:
- The test might miss someone who has previously had the virus in approximately 1 out of 100 people (a false negative result).
- The test might incorrectly be positive in 1 in 5000 people who have not had a vaccine or the COVID-19 virus (a false positive result).
We have performed our own verification to ensure that the test is fit-for-purpose and works with our home testing kits.
How do these tests work?
These tests measure a sample of your blood to look for two different types of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The body responds to the virus or vaccine by making antibodies. These antibodies are used by your immune system to help fight infection. Peak antibody levels are typically seen 4-6 weeks after vaccination or infection.
The COVID-19 antibody test measures SARS-CoV-2 N antibodies (nucleocapsid antibodies, including IgG antibodies). These antibodies will not be made in response to any vaccines currently in use. A positive result indicates exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine immunity test measures antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (including IgG antibodies). The spike protein is produced by the virus that causes COVID-19. The spike protein is also used by all currently available vaccines to generate an immune response. A positive result can indicate an immune response to any of the vaccines currently in use. A positive result can also occur from previous exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Can these tests be used as evidence for international travel?
No, the majority of international travel restrictions require you to take a COVID-19 PCR test prior to travel. This is to indicate that you do not have a current COVID-19 infection. A COVID-19 antibody test cannot be used for this purpose.
We do not issue certificates of results for either the COVID-19 Antibody Test or the COVID-19 Vaccine Immunity Test. Results will be available to view via our website.
Some countries may waive quarantine restrictions for passengers with a positive COVID-19 antibody test. These tests must usually be conducted in a laboratory accredited by the country’s government. For this reason, our COVID-19 Antibody Test and Vaccine Immunity Test cannot be used for this purpose.
