Yes. There are false positive and false negative tests. Please refer to the CDC and the Manufacturer and FDA websites as these vary by test.
The IgG Antibody Test detects your immune response to infection by SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 disease. The SARS-CoV-2 is merely one of several coronaviruses. Some of the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are actually common to many coronaviruses. This test can sometimes detect antibodies targeted to other coronaviruses causing a false-positive result. So, if you have been diagnosed with other types of coronaviruses, this might be an issue. Also, if you test too soon after infection, your body may not have had the time needed to make enough IgG antibodies for their detection. This can lead to a false-negative result.
While a positive result from an antibody test may establish that an individual was previously infected with or exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) have concluded that there is insufficient information to show that the presence of antibodies protects an individual from future reinfection as the strength of any immunity and the length of time any immunity confers is not yet known.
This test cannot tell you whether you are immune to COVID-19, even if the result is positive. A negative test does not mean that you have not been exposed to or are currently infected with COVID-19. You should definitely continue to practice social distancing and take the recommended precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
