COVID-19 Test – Home Visit

Abbott’s IgG antibody lab-based test determines if an individual has previously had COVID-19.

The serological test identifies Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that are specific to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These antibodies are produced by the body if an individual has been infected with the coronavirus. IgG antibodies indicate longer-term protection against an illness in comparison to IgM antibodies, which are produced as an initial response to the infection. If someone receives a positive result from the IgG antibody test, this shows that they have had COVID-19.

Once IgG antibodies are created to fight an infection, they can remain in the body for significant periods of time in order to protect the individual should they be infected for a second time. The IgG antibody test should be taken a minimum of 14 days after symptoms first appear. This is because antibodies may not be detectable straight away and need time to develop.

It is important to note that while the IgG antibody test can establish if a person has built up an immune response to SARS-CoV-2, it does not prove complete immunity. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that people can be immune to COVID-19 and cannot be infected more than once.

When you purchase a Phlebotomist IgG antibody test, an appointment will be made for our qualified Phlebotomists to visit you in order to carry out blood sample collection. If you live in the Midlands, London, Manchester, Wales or Sheffield, this visit can occur at your home, or at your workplace. Our Phlebotomist will be wearing all of the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when they arrive, and will maintain social distancing wherever possible. Our Phlebotomist will take away any used components to be disposed of safely.

If you would prefer to have your sample collected in-clinic, you can make an appointment to visit one of our clinics.

After the blood sample has been collected, this will be sent to the CQC registered laboratory that we have partnered with, in order to guarantee that you receive accurate results. Once the laboratory have received your sample, they will perform Abbott’s IgG Antibody Test. You will be emailed a link to your results within 48 hours.

If you live in London, the Midlands, Wales, Manchester or Sheffield, our Phlebotomist can visit your home or workplace to carry out sample collection. Once the sample is collected, this will be sent off to the CQC registered laboratory we have partnered with, who will conduct Abbott’s antibody test.

We also offer an IgG Antibody Test Phlebotomy Kit, which can be delivered to your home. In this case, you will need to arrange for a qualified Medical Professional or Phlebotomist to collect a sample. Following this, you will send the sample to the laboratory in the pre-paid envelope provided. You can find out more here.

Abbott’s COVID-19 antibody test is for people who want to find out if they have previously been infected with the coronavirus. Samples collected for Abbott’s IgG Antibody Test will be examined by a CQC registered laboratory based in London.

The IgG antibody tests have been described by the government as ‘game-changing,’ as they can help us to track the spread of the coronavirus and predict how the infection will impact groups of people. The more individuals that take the IgG Antibody Test, the more we can learn about the coronavirus and put measures in place to protect people in the coming months.

We have chosen to offer Abbott’s IgG Antibody Test due to the high level of accuracy, as the test has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99%.

Our qualified Phlebotomists use medical marked components for IVD to collect a blood sample. Following this, the sample is sent to the government approved CQC registered laboratory that we have partnered with to offer this service.

Once the laboratory has received your sample, they will use advanced technology to detect the presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies linked to SARS-CoV-2.

The test has a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 99%. This applies when the test is taken at least 14 days after symptoms are first present.

Sensitivity refers to how effectively a test can identify those who have a specific illness or disease. This is also known as the ‘true positive rate.’ Specificity refers to how accurately a test can identify those who do not have a certain illness or disease.

Throughout the pandemic, the UK government have been using PCR tests to determine if people are currently infected with the coronavirus. This type of coronavirus test has been reserved for key workers and those who are critically ill.

However, now that two types of antibody test have been approved by Public Health England, the UK government are using these antibody tests to screen NHS workers.

Abbott’s IgG Antibody Test is the first type of antibody test to be evaluated by Public Health England as a lab-based test on venous puncture. This type of coronavirus test involves a CQC registered laboratory examining a blood sample of a patient, to establish if Immunoglobulin G antibodies linked to SARS-CoV-2 are present. The IgG Antibody Test that we supply is above 99% accurate.

The other main coronavirus test on the market is the PCR test. This is a swab test that also involves home sample collection, and examination by a laboratory. However, medical researchers analyse the sample to determine if genetic material related to COVID-19 is present, confirming if a person is currently infected with the coronavirus. This type of COVID-19 test has been used by the UK government to screen NHS staff and other key workers over the past few months.

There is currently no evidence that a person can be completely immune to SARS-CoV-2, or cannot be infected with the coronavirus more than once. Therefore, the IgG Antibody Test cannot confirm if a person is immune to COVID-19.

No. Abbott’s IgG Antibody Test confirms if you have previously been infected with the coronavirus.

If you would like to find out if you are currently infected with COVID-19, you should take the PCR test.

Venous sampling involves collecting blood from the veins by using a thin tube, or catheter. After doing so, the blood sample will be sent to a laboratory to be examined. Generally, the blood sample will be collected from the antecubital area of the arm, which is the fold between the upper and lower arm in front of the elbow, or the back of the hand. This method of testing is often chosen for tests where samples are examined by a laboratory.

This method of sampling collects venous blood, which is deoxygenated blood.

Abbott’s IgG Antibody Assay has been evaluated by PHE for venous samples. Please see the report here.

Phlebotomy is also referred to as ‘venepuncture’ and involves taking blood directly from a vein. This can only be performed by a qualified Phlebotomist and is done using a needle. Phlebotomy is often used for medical testing, where blood samples are examined by laboratories.

Generally, a blood sample is collected from the antecubital fossa, which is the inner crook of the elbow, between the upper and lower arm. Initially, a tourniquet will be tied around your upper arm, a short distance above the elbow. This applies pressure, and restricts the blood flow, making it easier to collect a sample.

Next, a needle is inserted into the vein and the blood is withdrawn. After removing the needle, a cotton bud will be gently pressed against the point of entry to prevent further bleeding. A plaster will then be applied.

Once the sample has been collected, it will be sent to the laboratory for examination.

Some clients may experience discomfort when the needle comes into contact with the skin. You will experience a sensation like that of a pinprick when the needle is inserted into the vein.

You may see bruising around the site where the needle was inserted into the skin. If pressure is applied onto the area once the needle is removed to stop any bleeding, this should reduce bruising.

We advise that you do not carry heavy bags for a few hours after the blood sample has been collected.

Yes. When performed by a qualified Phlebotomist, phlebotomy is perfectly safe. A new, clean and sterile needle will be used for your appointment and disposed of in a sharps container following sample collection.