Antibody Testing

You should consider this testing if you need to know whether you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. This may include people who had symptoms and were unable to get diagnostic testing when they were sick. It may also include people who have not been sick since the COVID-19 outbreak began but are concerned that they have been exposed. Keep in mind that antibodies to viruses don’t develop for at least two weeks after the first exposure or infection. In some people, antibodies don’t develop at all.  

The results of a COVID-19 antibody test can help people learn if they have been infected. Experts don’t know yet whether those with antibodies to the COVID-19 virus are immune to future infection from it. Don’t let the results of an antibody test change your behavior. Continue social distancing and other steps meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Only the diagnostic test – not the antibody test – can tell if someone has a COVID-19 infection at the time of the test. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should seek diagnostic testing. (See above for details.) People can consider antibody testing to understand if they may have been exposed to or infected with COVID-19 more than 14 days ago.  

Experts don’t know yet if people with antibodies to the COVID-19 virus are immune to future infection from it. Don’t let the results of an antibody test change your behavior. Continue social distancing and other steps meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Antibody testing can give public health experts important information about how COVID-19 spreads through a large group of people. This information can then help M Health Fairview and the Minnesota Department of Health come up with better safety steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

Right now, there are 2 ways for people to get an antibody (serology) test: testing by referral and retail testing by appointment.

To be tested by referral:

Call 1-855-FAIRVIEW (324-7843) and ask for a COVID-19 antibody test. A registered nurse will ask callers simple questions over the phone. During this call, the nurse will ask you to give details about your potential COVID-19 exposure. After this first call, our care team will call those who meet the standards for antibody testing and schedule a blood test. The test will be at one of our M Health Fairview locations. People with certain symptoms may be considered for diagnostic testing rather than antibody testing.You may also get a test ahead of others based on your symptoms, exposure details, or other factors. Your insurance will be billed for this service.

To get retail testing by appointment:

Retail antibody testing is also available at several M Health Fairview sites without a nurse call and referral. To schedule a testing appointment, please call 612-273-7838 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Those who get tested pay up front, have a quick blood draw taken, and get their results in the mail in 3 to 5 days.

For $45, a person can order a standard antibody test. This test tells if COVID-19 antibodies are present in their body. Or, for $55, they can choose a test that tells if antibodies are present in the body and measures the level of antibodies in the body. Our on-site testing staff will help you select the option that is best for you.

Retail antibody testing is available by appointment at the following locations:

• M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center – 5200 Fairview Blvd., Wyoming

• M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center – Maple Grove – 14500 99th Ave. N., Maple Grove

• M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center – 911 Northland Dr., Princeton

• M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital – 201 E. Nicollet Blvd., Burnsville

• M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital – 6401 France Ave. S., Edina

• M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, West Bank – 2450 Riverside Ave. S., Minneapolis