COVID-19 IgG Sample Collection Test Kit and Lab Test

The IgG antibody lab based test is one of the approved tests that determines if an individual has previously had COVID-19.

The serological test identifies Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that are specific to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These antibodies are produced by the body if an individual has been infected with the coronavirus. IgG antibodies indicate longer-term protection against an illness in comparison to IgM antibodies, which are produced as an initial response to the infection. If someone receives a positive result from the IgG antibody test, this shows that they have had COVID-19.

Once IgG antibodies are created to fight an infection, they can remain in the body for significant periods of time in order to protect the individual should they be infected for a second time. The IgG antibody test should be taken a minimum of 14 days after symptoms first appear. This is because antibodies may not be detectable straight away and need time to develop.

It is important to note that while the IgG antibody test can establish if a person has built up an immune response to SARS-CoV-2, it does not prove complete immunity. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that people can be immune to COVID-19 and cannot be infected more than once.

One of our qualified Phlebotomists will collect a venous blood sample, either at your home, workplace or one of our clinics across the UK. Following this, the blood sample is sent to a CQC registered laboratory for analysis.

No. While our qualified Medical Professionals can visit your home to collect a venous sample, this is not a ‘home antibody test.’ ‘Home tests’ are unlawful and often involve patients collecting a blood sample, which may impair the accuracy of the test if this is not done correctly.

By arranging for one of our qualified Medical Professionals to collect a venous blood sample, you can be reassured that the sample is collected correctly, and this will not affect the accuracy of your results.

Please be advised that the results are highly accurate, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99%. This applies when the test is taken at least 14 days after symptoms are first present. Results are processed by a CQC registered laboratory to ensure the highest standards and levels of accuracy are maintained.

Throughout the pandemic, the UK government have been using PCR tests to determine if people are currently infected with the coronavirus. This type of coronavirus test has been reserved for key workers and those who are critically ill.

However, now that two types of antibody test have been approved by Public Health England, the UK government are using these antibody tests to screen NHS workers.

The IgG Antibody Test is the first type of antibody test to be approved by Public Health England. This type of coronavirus test involves a CQC registered laboratory examining a venous blood sample of a patient, to establish if Immunoglobulin G antibodies linked to SARS-CoV-2 are present. The IgG Antibody Test that we supply is above 98% accurate.

Please note that the IgG Antibody Test is different to the Rapid Antibody Testing Kit. The Rapid Antibody Test is a home testing kit, where a blood sample is applied to a test cassette, which indicates if Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin G antibodies are present. This type of COVID-19 antibody test provides an indication only and requires further testing to determine a conclusive result. In contrast to this, the IgG Antibody Test validated by a laboratory has a proven accuracy of above 98% based on when the sample is collected at home and the instructions are followed correctly.

The other main coronavirus test on the market is the PCR test. This is a swab test that also involves home sample collection, and examination by a laboratory. However, medical researchers analyse the sample to determine if genetic material related to COVID-19 is present, confirming if a person is currently infected with the coronavirus. This type of COVID-19 test has been used by the UK government to screen NHS staff and other key workers over the past few months.

The IgG Antibody Test must be taken a minimum of 14 days after symptoms are first present. This is because antibodies need time to develop after the initial infection.

If you use this type of COVID-19 test too soon, you may receive a false negative result as there will not be enough antibodies to yield a positive result.

No. The IgG Antibody Test confirms if you have previously been infected with the coronavirus.

If you would like to find out if you are currently infected with COVID-19, you should take the PCR test.

There is evidence to show that people can be infected with COVID-19 without experiencing symptoms. Whether or not you experience symptoms, this type of COVID-19 test will be able to determine if you have previously had the coronavirus.

Yes. You can book an appointment to visit one of our sites across the UK, where our qualified Medical Professionals will collect a blood sample.

There are three types of results you can receive from the IgG Antibody Test.

Positive: This means that IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have been found in your blood, confirming that you were recently infected with COVID-19.

Negative: IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have not been found in your blood. This means you have not been infected with COVID-19 recently. It is important to note that you may receive a false negative result if you take the test too soon after experiencing symptoms. Furthermore, there is a small percentage of people who do not build up enough antibodies to be detected. In this case, the IgG Antibody Test may not be able to confirm if you have recently been infected with COVID-19.

Borderline: This means that IgG antibodies related to SARS-CoV-2 have been detected, but there are not enough antibodies to give a firm result.

The laboratory may be required to notify the relevant bodies such as Public Health England of your IgG Antibody Test results. By placing an order you give our laboratory consent to do so.

How? You will be emailed a secure link to your results.

When? This type of COVID-19 does not provide an instant result. You will receive your results around 48 hours after the laboratory have received your sample.

Please be advised that results are processed within 48 hours from when the laboratory receive your sample. The laboratory is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. If your sample is received on Friday, it will be processed on Monday.

There is currently no evidence that a person can be completely immune to SARS-CoV-2, or cannot be infected with the coronavirus more than once. Therefore, the IgG Antibody Test cannot confirm if a person is immune to COVID-19.

Generally, a negative result implies that you have not had COVID-19.

You may receive a false negative result if you take the IgG Antibody Test too soon after experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus. You should wait a minimum of 14 days (more accurate) after symptoms first appear before taking this type of coronavirus test. If you suspect you may have received a false negative, you should wait 7 days and take the test for a second time.

It is also possible to receive a false negative result if the sample is not collected correctly. You should consider taking the test for a second time a week later.