The Family Medical Clinic at HCHD offers two types of COVID-19 testing: diagnostic testing and SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing.

Diagnostic testing confirms active infection with the coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19. We perform tests for anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who has been exposed to someone with confirmed infection.

SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing may show previous infection with COVID-19. Testing is available with a physician order.

• COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibody testing, also known as serology testing, checks for a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM).
• If you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, your body typically produces IgG and IgM antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus.
• It can take at least two weeks after exposure to develop antibodies.

This type of COVID-19 test is for individuals who think they may have had COVID-19 and do not currently have symptoms.

Should You Get an Antibody Test?

• Are not experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
• Have not experienced a fever in the past 3 days.
• Have had or suspect you have had COVID-19, but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 10 days (these symptoms include loss of smell or taste, difficulty breathing, feeling weak or lethargic, lightheadedness or dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, and/or seizures).

Antibody tests may not be able to show if you have been exposed to COVID-19 because it can take at least two weeks after exposure to develop antibodies.
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This test may NOT be right for you if you:

• • Are feeling sick or have had a fever within the last 3 days.
  • Want to understand if you currently have COVID-19.
  • Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 less than 10 days ago.
  • Were directly exposed to the virus in the past 14 days.
  • Have a condition that weakens your immune system.