Dominion Now Offering COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Dominion Diagnostics, a national medical laboratory that provides drug monitoring services and clinical information, announced that it is now offering COVID-19 serology antibody testing. While not intended as a primary diagnostic tool for COVID-19, the serological test detects antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The test identifies two antibodies—Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG), which are produced in response to SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus strain that causes COVID-19. IgM is produced during the initial immune response and can be detected within days after infection, remaining in the body for three to four weeks. IgG antibodies may serve as the basis for long-term immunity.

Dominion said in a news release that while it is not known whether these antibodies provide immunity, the test may aid in recognizing high-risk populations, improving understanding of the virus’ epidemiology, and identifying individuals with past asymptomatic infections.