CareMEDICA is proud to now offer rapid, in-office COVID-19 antibody testing with results in just 12 minutes. This test detects both IgG and IgM antibodies, helping determine whether you’ve been recently infected with COVID-19 or had the virus in the past—even if you never showed symptoms. Most insurance plans cover this service.
When the body encounters a virus like COVID-19, it produces specific antibodies as part of its immune response. IgM antibodies are typically the first to appear, often surfacing about 5–7 days after infection. Their presence suggests a more recent or active infection. In contrast, IgG antibodies usually emerge 10–14 days after infection and can indicate a past infection and potential immunity (Li et al., 2023; Xiao et al., 2021).
Testing both allows your provider to determine whether you're:
In the early or mid-stage of an active infection
In recovery from a recent infection
Previously exposed and may have some level of immunity
Or if you've never been infected, or were tested too early for antibodies to show up
A rapid IgG/IgM antibody test provides valuable insights into your recent health history. However, it is not a diagnostic tool for confirming active COVID-19 infection or contagiousness. If you test positive for antibodies—especially IgM—a follow-up PCR or antigen test (via deep nasopharyngeal swab) at a specialized testing site may still be required to confirm current infection status (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2020).
Additionally, a positive IgG test does not guarantee immunity. Although research suggests that IgG antibodies may last several months, the strength and duration of protection vary by individual and virus variant (Wajnberg et al., 2020; Kaduskar, 2022).
Speed: Results in just 12 minutes while you're in the office
Convenience: No need to visit an outside lab or testing site
Expertise: Our trusted CareMEDICA providers will help interpret results and determine appropriate next steps
Coverage: Most major insurance plans include antibody testing, making it affordable for most patients
You may want to get tested if:
You believe you were exposed to COVID-19 in recent weeks or months
You had mild symptoms but were never formally diagnosed
You're returning to work, travel, or group settings and want peace of mind
You’re curious about whether your body has mounted a response to prior exposure
While antibody testing can provide useful insights, you should continue practicing safety precautions such as masking in high-risk settings, washing hands frequently, and staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters as recommended by public health authorities. Presence of antibodies does not eliminate the risk of reinfection or transmission (Verywell Health, 2023).
If you’re interested in CareMEDICA’s new rapid antibody testing, reach out to your provider or call your local office today. Testing is available at our Connecticut and Florida locations and is fast, safe, and informative.
Let us help you stay proactive about your health—because at CareMEDICA, your wellness is our priority!
Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Policy for coronavirus disease-2019 tests during the public health emergency (Revised). https://www.fda.gov/media/135659/download
Kaduskar, O. (2022). Early immune response with IgM/IgG seroconversion. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9807202/
Li, Q., et al. (2023). Long-term seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies. BMC Infectious Diseases, 23(1), 425. https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-023-08425-3
Verywell Health. (2023). What to know about COVID-19 antibodies from infection and vaccines. https://www.verywellhealth.com/antibodies-from-vaccines-and-from-natural-infection-5092564
Wajnberg, A., et al. (2020). Robust neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 infection persist for months. Science, 370(6521), 1227-1230. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abd7728
Xiao, K., et al. (2021). IgG antibody persistence after COVID‑19. Frontiers in Medicine, 8, 684864. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.684864/full
