Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing

Find out what a COVID-19 antibody test can tell you and how testing helps research. Antibody tests check whether a person has had the virus before or been vaccinated.

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published
22 May 2020
Last updated
24 January 2024 — See all updates

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This content is now available at COVID-19: guidance and support.

Documents

Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing

Ref: GOV-16065

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Details

This guide tells you:

  • what antibody testing is
  • what an antibody test will tell you
  • how testing helps research

Updates to this page

Published 22 May 2020
Last updated 24 January 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated 119 phone line opening hours.

  2. Updated 119 phone line opening hours.

  3. Updates to COVID-19 antibody testing guidance.

  4. Amended wording in 'Who can get an antibody test kit'.

  5. Updated information about who can get an antibody test.

  6. Updated information about what antibody testing is, who it's for, what your results can tell you and what to do after you get your results.

  7. Guidance added for people taking part in antibody research surveys or studies.

  8. Updated to remove reference to antibody tests from NHS England test sites.

  9. Updated with information on the coronavirs (COVID-19) vaccine and antibody testing.

  10. Updated to reflect that the guidance now applies in Northern Ireland.

  11. Updated with new information on antibody testing eligibility and how to get a test.

  12. Removed link to antibody testing service and added that DHSC is working directly with organisations in the adult social care sector in order to offer tests.

  13. Updated to reflect the launch of the new antibody testing service, which is currently restricted to care home workers in England and Wales.

  14. First published.

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