COVID-19 The “Have I had coronavirus?” test (Antibody Blood Test)

Submit a blood sample to for lab-analysis to identify whether you've had COVID-19 or not.

What will this test tell me?

As part of your body's immune response, antibodies will be formed to combat COVID-19 infection. This test analyses your blood sample to check for the presence of COVID-19 IgG antibodies made in response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

If your blood sample contains these COVID-19 IgG antibodies, it is likely you've previously had coronavirus.

What this test won't tell me

The presence of antibodies does not necessarily indicate an immunity to the disease; as researchers better understand COVID-19, we will know with greater clarity the extent to which antibodies confer an immunity.

It also won't identify live infection - if you believe you are currently infection, please order a PCR Swab test.

How does the test work?

The blood sample can be drawn one of two ways:

1. Venipuncture or venous draw (via needle by a trained clinician) - This service is provided by a GP in our Summertown Clinic to individuals aged 16 or over
2. Fingerprick or capillary draw - This is a home test kit, with instructions on how to draw 0.6ml of blood and submit to the laboratory for analysis

The government is currently conducting a review into the use of the fingerprick sample collection method - please see our article here.

What test are you using?

We are using the Abbott test, with specificity 100% and sensitivity 97.5% based on data provided by our laboratory. Further details are available here.

Mayfield Clinic does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the results provided by the laboratory.

Who can take the test?

Anyone can take the test, however if you are within your first 14 days of COVID-19 symptoms or within 14 days of exposure to COVID-19, we advise taking a PCR swab test (details here) to check for live infection.

We are providing the venous blood draw service to individuals aged 16 or over.

How long do results take?

From the time your sample reaches the lab, it takes ~48 hours to process your test. Results are sent via SMS.

The time it takes for you to get your result depends on how long it takes for your sample to reach the lab. This is variable at the moment. Some postal deliveries are delayed due to COVID-19. Your test kit includes a postage paid envelope, but you may wish to send the sample recorded or via special delivery.

How do I order a test?

The venipuncture service costs £225:

Book GP-led venipuncture

The fingerprick kits £125 plus postage.

Order fingerprick kit