At CareMEDICA, we are proud to offer rapid COVID-19 antibody testing right in our offices, with results available in under 12 minutes. This test detects both IgG and IgM antibodies, helping you understand whether you’ve recently been infected with COVID-19 or had the virus in the past—even if you never experienced symptoms. Most insurance plans cover this service, making it convenient and accessible for our patients.
When your 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. 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).
By testing for both types of antibodies in-office, our providers can determine whether you are:
In the early or mid-stage of an active infection
Recovering from a recent infection
Previously exposed and possibly carrying some level of immunity
Not yet infected, or tested too early for antibodies to appear
A rapid IgG/IgM antibody test provides valuable insights into your recent health history but is not a diagnostic tool for confirming active COVID-19 infection or contagiousness. If your test shows positive results—particularly IgM—a follow-up PCR or antigen test may be needed to confirm your current infection status (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2020).
A positive IgG result does not guarantee immunity. While research suggests IgG antibodies may last several months, the strength and duration of protection vary by individual and virus variant (Wajnberg et al., 2020; Kaduskar, 2022).
In-Office Convenience: Patients can have testing done during a regular visit—no need to visit an outside lab.
Speed: Results in under 12 minutes.
Expert Guidance: Our experienced providers interpret results and recommend next steps.
Insurance Coverage: Most major insurance plans include antibody testing.
You may want to get tested if:
You believe you were exposed to COVID-19 in recent weeks or months
You experienced mild symptoms but were never formally diagnosed
You are returning to work, travel, or group settings and want peace of mind
You’re curious whether your body has mounted a response to prior exposure
While antibody testing provides helpful insights, it does not replace preventive measures. Continue masking in high-risk settings, practicing hand hygiene, and staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Antibodies do not eliminate the risk of reinfection or transmission (Verywell Health, 2023).
If you’re a CareMEDICA patient, you can schedule your rapid in-office antibody test today—safe, fast, and completed entirely in under 12 minutes. Call your local office to learn more and stay proactive about your health.
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
