As opportunities to get tested for COVID-19 become more and more accessible, there’s another test on the rise — antibody testing. According to the Center for Disease Control {CDC}, antibody tests “check your blood by looking for antibodies, which show if you had a previous infection with the virus.” As antibody tests + testing sites are becoming more frequent, here’s a roundup of where to get it done in Northern New Jersey.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Should you have individual + immediate health concerns, please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What You Need to Know About Antibody Testing
As previously, stated COVID-19 antibody testing checks your blood for antibodies, to demonstrate whether or not you were previously infected with the virus. In layman’s terms, this means that regardless if you were actually tested for COVID-19, the antibody test will provide you with the knowledge of whether or not you previously had the virus.
However, it is very important to note that these tests might not find antibodies in someone who currently has the infection and gets tested.
“Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with a current COVID-19 infection,” according to the CDC. “Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose someone as being currently sick with COVID-19.”
Additionally, all antibody tests must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration via Emergency Use Authorization {EUA}. Find a full list of FDA-approved tests here. Please note: These are only EUAs, none are fully FDA-approved due to the timeframe and rush for approvals.
See More: The List of COVID-19 Antibody Tests That Are Currently FDA-Approved
For more information about antibody testing, check out our latest episode of Tea on the Hudson, too where dove deep into answering all those burning questions about antibody testing.
What It Means If You Test Positive for Antibodies
Now, the real question you might be asking yourself is, “What does it mean if I do test positive for antibodies?” It means a number of things.
The CDC states that a positive test “shows you have antibodies that likely resulted from an infection with SARS-CoV-2, or possibly a related coronavirus.” {Please note, SARS-CoV-2 is the scientific terminology for COVID-19}.
It is very important to note, however, that it is not certain whether or not having COVID-19 antibodies means one is immune to the virus.
“It’s unclear if those antibodies can provide protection {immunity} against getting infected again. This means that we do not know at this time if antibodies make you immune to the virus,” the CDC writes.
Again — testing positive for antibodies does not guarantee immunity to COVID-19.
Also, these tests are available through individual healthcare providers and laboratories.
What It Means to Test Negative for Antibodies
Now, on the flip side, as with any test, there is a possibility of testing negative for antibodies. A negative test means that you likely did not previously have an infection that has gotten better, according to the CDC.
“However, you could have a current infection. It’s possible you could still get sick if you have been exposed to the virus recently, since antibodies don’t show up for 1 to 3 weeks after infection. This means you could still spread the virus,” the CDC writes. “Some people may take even longer to develop antibodies, and some people may not develop antibodies.”
It is very important to note that an antibody test does not replace a COVID-19 test, if you are experiencing symptoms of the virus. Find a full list of where to get tested in New Jersey here.
See More: Latest Jersey City + Hoboken COVID-19 Updates as of May 19, 2020
Where to Get Antibody Testing Done in North Jersey
Now that the specifics are out of the way, you might be wondering where the he** can you get tested locally. Here’s a list of places to go in northern New Jersey:
- – In Hoboken, there is an antibody testing site at 601 Jackson Street {7th Street + Jackson Gym}. The testing begins on Wednesday, May 20th and is open to all residents. In order to receive a test, residents must register online at http://www.hobokennj.gov/
antibody and will then be sent an appointment time; walk-ins will not be permitted. - – In Jersey City, has began antibody testing for all residents. To learn more about the testing options, please go here.
- – In Northern New Jersey, CityMD locations are offering antibody testing. More information about these tests is available here. In order to be tested by CityMD, patients must meet the criteria of:
If you previously had COVID-19 symptoms {Fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, body aches} and have recovered after 14 days. If you received a positive test result for COVID-19 and have recovered after 14 days.If you believe you have come in contact with someone who had the COVID-19 virus. ”
- – Brunswick Urgent Care in East Brunswick and Franklin Park is offering COVID-19 and antibody testing to businesses and individuals. Learn more here.
- – The Doctor’s Office Urgent Care with multiple locations in Paramus, Manalapan, Brick, and Midland Park is offering antibody tests. Get more information here.
- – PM Pediatrics Urgent Care with a location in Paramus is offering antibody testing. Get more details here.
- – Hematology & Oncology Care in Edison, Union, and Woodbridge is offering antibody testing. Get more information here.
- – Back to Work Solutions is offering antibody evaluations and tests. Learn more here and schedule an appointment here.
- – AM/PM Walk-In Urgent Care is currently offering antibody testing. Learn more here.
Of course, this is an ever-growing list. We will update it as more and more information becomes available. As it currently stands, statewide, New Jersey has 148,039 cases of COVID-19.
Know of another local antibody testing site? Email us at hello@hobokengirl.com!
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