The Vibrant COVID-19 Immunecheck is, in my opinion, the best test for SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus) antibodies.
This blood test measures antibodies to 4 different antigens of the virus. Any elevated antibody result indicates that you have been infected. Depending which antibody is elevated, an estimate can be made whether you are still contagious. If you have an elevated antibody then you should be immune from repeat infection.
There are 3 or 4 different lab tests I recommend considering for COVID-19 antibodies. Depending on your priorities, you would choose one over another.
If insurance coverage is most important, conventional labs like Quest, Lab Corps, and AccuReference offer COVID-19 antibody tests. However, at least some of these labs only offer IgG antibody measurement. It is also valuable to measure IgM antibodies, which can identify current infection. IgG antibodies alone do not give this information. These tests require a trip to a lab. Finally, these tests are not the most accurate, in my opinion.
If saving a trip to the lab and not needing contact with a phlebotomist are most important to you, then KBMO Diagnostic's finger stick collection COVID-19 antibodies test is the choice to make. That test does require payment directly to the lab. It does measure IgG and IgM antibodies.
If greatest accuracy is your top priority, then choose the Vibrant COVID-19 Immunecheck. Vibrant America Laboratory uses sophisticated testing methods. This includes proprietary microchip technology, which increases accuracy and efficiency. No other lab has this methodology. The microchip technology enables Vibrant America to offer something unique, which is critical; the most important reason I think this test is the best is that it measures antibodies to 4 different antigens of the virus. Other tests I have seen only check antibodies to one or two of the virus's antigens. Therefore, the Vibrant COVID-19 Immunecheck will identify a small percentage of cases of COVID-19 antibody reactions that are missed by other lab's tests for antibodies.
Vibrant COVID-19 Immunecheck is not covered by insurance. The fee is $199. Blood draw is an additional fee: $20 at a lab in New Hyde Park, N.Y. or $50 if a phlebotomist comes to your home in the tristate area. Outside the tristate area will require other arrangements, which are doable. The test results take about 4-5 days from start to finish. Contact me if interested.
