Author: Sam Buisman

UW-Health is now offering an antibody test that can tell if you've previously been exposed to COVID-19.

According to a media release from the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, patients and community members may now schedule a blood test that can diagnose if the testee had COVID-19 in the past by determining if their body is producing antibodies that may provide immunity from the virus.

As many cases of COVID-19 come with mild or even no symptoms, researchers believe that thousands of Americans may have contracted the virus without knowing it. However, if the human body comes into contact with COVID-19, it will begin to produce antibodies to fight the disease which UW-Health says will immunize them from repeat infection, although the CDC says that they are not sure if these antibodies will provide immunity or for how long.

This antibody test will not test if a recipient currently has COVID-19, only if they previously had it.

UW-Health is offering this antibody test at four clinic locations across Madison: The University Hospital, the UW West Clinic on Junction Road, the UW East Clinic on East Terrace Drive and the American Center Hospital on Eastpark Boulevard.

According to the media release, the national CARES Act mandates that insurance companies cove this antibody test.

Appointments need to be scheduled in advance either online or by phone.