How to get a Covid antibody test as new UK programme launches this week

A UK-wide antibody testing programme will be rolled out to the general public for the first time this week, the government has announced.

The programme is being launched in a bid to improve understanding of the antibody protection provided by both vaccination and previous coronavirus infection.

Here’s what you need to know about the programme and who is eligible for a test.

What is an antibody test?

An antibody test checks for evidence of antibodies in the blood post Covid-19 infection, which the body generates to help fight off the disease.

Those who have coronavirus antibodies in their blood will likely have had the virus before, even if they did not experience any notable symptoms.

It is not yet clear how long antibodies last and if they can prevent being infected with the virus again.

Who can get an antibody test?

From Tuesday (24 August), anyone over the age of 18 in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland can opt in to the antibody testing programme when receiving a PCR Covid-19 test.

Up to 8,000 people who test positive for coronavirus will be enrolled in the programme, which is run by the UK Health Security Agency alongside NHS Test and Trace.

Those who are selected will be sent two finger prick antibody tests to complete at home and send back for analysis.

The first test must be taken as soon as possible after the positive PCR result so that the body does not have time to generate a detectable antibody response to the infecion.