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Guidance on coronavirus COVID antibody testing, including who can get an antibody test kit, antibody test results and what you must do when you get your results.
The test works by taking a blood sample and testing for the presence of antibodies to see if you have developed an immune response to the virus. Antibody tests differ to virus swab tests , which test to see if you currently have the virus. An antibody test cannot test if you currently have the virus. There is no strong evidence yet to suggest that those who have had the virus develop long-lasting immunity that would prevent them from getting the virus again.
Find out more about how your data is used. There is a different test to check if you have coronavirus now. Whatever your antibody test result, you must continue to follow the same guidelines as everyone else to protect yourself and others from the virus.
Anyone in paid adult social care employment in England is also eligible for a free antibody test at an NHS test site. This includes staff working in residential care, domiciliary care, extra care, supported living, local authority adult social care departments and staff working as personal assistants for individuals who receive adult social care services. Tests are being provided in various ways across different regions, including through community clinics, acute clinics, mobile testing and primary care.
