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Submit a blood sample 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 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 infected, please order Rapid Covid Testing in San Diego.

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 of 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 the 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?

Use a virus PCR swab test to confirm if you currently have a COVID-19 infection

What will this test tell me?

This test will check for current COVID-19 infection and tell you if you are currently infected. It is appropriate for individuals within 14 days of the onset of symptoms, or within 14 days of exposure to the COVID-19 Testing.

What this test won't tell me

This test will not tell you if you have recovered from COVID-19 and now have antibodies. The swab test is for live infection.

Your body will take up to 21 days to make IgG antibodies in response to a COVID-19 infection; to test for the presence of antibodies.

How does it work?

Virus PCR tests are done by taking a swab from the nose and throat and sending it to the lab for analysis. We provide a home test kit, and you return your sample to the laboratory in the post.

How long do the results take?

The laboratory turnaround time is 24-48 hours from receipt at the lab, but we are not able to guarantee a result within a certain timeframe. We are not liable for any other associated costs should your results be delayed.

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 envelope, but you may wish to send the sample recorded or via special delivery or to drop it back at the clinic for us to courier to the lab (which we do each day at 4PM).

How do I order a test?