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.
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This guide tells you:
- what antibody testing is
- what an antibody test will tell you
- how testing helps research
Updates to this page
Last updated 24 January 2024 + show all updates
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Updated 119 phone line opening hours.
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Updated 119 phone line opening hours.
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Updates to COVID-19 antibody testing guidance.
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Amended wording in 'Who can get an antibody test kit'.
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Updated information about who can get an antibody test.
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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.
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Guidance added for people taking part in antibody research surveys or studies.
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Updated to remove reference to antibody tests from NHS England test sites.
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Updated with information on the coronavirs (COVID-19) vaccine and antibody testing.
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Updated to reflect that the guidance now applies in Northern Ireland.
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Updated with new information on antibody testing eligibility and how to get a test.
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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.
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Updated to reflect the launch of the new antibody testing service, which is currently restricted to care home workers in England and Wales.
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First published.