✍️ Edited by Farhan Ahmed, Editor, MedTestBD · Last updated: August 2026
What Is a SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test?
A SARS-CoV-2 Antibody test, also called a COVID-19 antibody or serology test, checks your blood for antibodies produced after infection with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, or after vaccination. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to fight a specific germ. This test does not detect the virus itself and is not used to diagnose a current, active infection. Instead, it tells you whether you have been exposed to the virus in the past and have built up an immune response to it.
Why Is a SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test Done?
This test is mainly used to find out if someone had a past COVID-19 infection, particularly if their earlier illness was never confirmed by a swab test. It can also be used to check whether the body has responded to vaccination, and in research or public health studies that measure how widely the virus has spread through a population. It is important to understand what it cannot do: it should not be used to decide if you are currently infectious, and a positive antibody result does not guarantee full protection against future infection.
Understanding Your Antibody Result
Results are usually reported as positive (reactive) or negative (non-reactive). A positive result means antibodies were detected, suggesting past infection or vaccination. A negative result means no antibodies were found, which may mean you were never infected, or that the test was done too early, since antibodies take one to three weeks to develop after infection. Some tests distinguish between antibody types (IgM and IgG), which can hint at how recent the exposure was. Antibody levels also fade over time. Always have a doctor interpret the result in your specific context.
How to Prepare for the Antibody Test
- The test is a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm.
- No fasting or special preparation is required.
- For the most reliable result, the test is best done at least two to three weeks after symptoms began or after a suspected exposure, so antibodies have time to form.
- Tell your doctor about your vaccination history and any past positive COVID-19 test, as this helps them read the result correctly.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test Price in Bangladesh
The SARS-CoV-2 Antibody test price in Bangladesh is around BDT 1,600 at listed diagnostic centres, though availability and pricing have changed a great deal since the peak of the pandemic. Compare the latest SARS-CoV-2 Antibody test prices on MedTestBD →
Normal ranges cited on this page are based on MedlinePlus and WHO guidance. Prices are collected from public sources and may change — confirm with the facility before visiting. This information is for general reference only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician.
