COVID rapid antibody test
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How long will the COVID-19 test last? How long will the COVID-19 test last?
Your initial appointment is likely to last about 45 minutes. Any follow-up sessions are usually about 30 minutes.
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What will the antibody test tell me? What will the antibody test tell me?
Antibody testing can detect whether you’ve previously had COVID-19. It does not tell you whether you currently have COVID-19.
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If I get a positive result does that mean I am now immune to COVID-19? If I get a positive result does that mean I am now immune to COVID-19?
No, if you encounter certain viruses the body may produce antibodies to help defend against it, should you come into contact with it again. However, because COVID-19 is a new virus, it is not yet known if the presence of antibodies provides immunity to COVID-19, or for how long any protective immunity may last. Even if you get a positive result you still need to follow government guidelines around social distancing and self-isolation.
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How does the test work? How does the test work?
The COVID-19 antibody test looks for the presence of a specific antibodies in the blood for the SARS-Cov-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19). The presence of antibodies on a blood test helps identify those who have been previously infected by COVID-19. You’ll either receive a positive (antibodies detected) or a negative result (antibodies note detected).
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How accurate is the test? How accurate is the test?
Our tests have been evaluated for their accuracy by Public Health England. The specificity of our tests was evaluated as being over 99%. The sensitivity of our tests was evaluated as being between 87-93%. No test is 100% accurate and a negative test therefore does not rule out previous COVID-19 infection.
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When should I do the test? When should I do the test?
Tests are best done 14 days after the onset of symptoms: a negative result therefore only gives information about exposures that were over 14 days prior to the test.
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If I get a positive result does that mean I’m contagious? If I get a positive result does that mean I’m contagious?
No. This test is for antibodies for Covid-19. These are formed in response to infection with Covid-19 are best detected over 14 days after infection began. This test therefore does not tell you if you are currently contagious.
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If I have symptoms, is this the right test for me? If I have symptoms, is this the right test for me?
This test will not tell you if you currently have Covid-19. If you have symptoms, the NHS is providing testing to tell you if you are currently infected. We will be happy to provide a test for you if it has been over 14 days since your symptoms began and have since resolved.
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Can I do a test at home instead of visiting a Bupa health centre? Can I do a test at home instead of visiting a Bupa health centre?
This test is not currently available for home use. We will be looking to offer home-collected tests if and when they receive the necessary validation.
Bupa Health Assessments are provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.
Bupa Well+ Bronze is provided by Bupa Occupational Health Ltd. Registered in England at 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ. Its company number is 3829851. The Bupa Well+ Bronze product and services are not regulated by the FCA.
Limits apply to services included in your GP Subscription. Scans and tests are not included. Please check your subscription for details.
Access to in-centre GPs available from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm (at selected sites). Remote - 7am - 10pm weekdays, 8am - 10pm weekends and bank holidays.
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