What is serology testing?
COVID-19 serology testing is a blood test that detects antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system in response to an infection. A COVID-19 serology test measures whether or not people who have been previously infected by COVID-19 have antibodies in their blood.
Does COVID-19 serology testing tell you if you are currently infected with COVID-19?
No. Serology testing is a blood test to determine if you previously had the virus and may have developed antibodies. The antibody test is intended to identify individuals who had an immune response to the COVID-19 virus, indicating prior infection. Antibody tests are not used to diagnose someone as being currently sick with COVID-19. To see if you have a current infection, you need a viral test, which checks respiratory samples, such as a swab from inside your nose.
If I had a positive COVID-19 nasal swab test, will I definitely have antibodies?
People who had a positive COVID-19 nasal swab may develop antibodies that are most likely to be detectable by the serology test when it is done at least two weeks after the COVID-19 symptoms started.
If I was never diagnosed with COVID-19 or never had any symptoms, should I still consider getting tested?
There are people who have been infected with the virus but never showed any symptoms. This serology test will check your blood for antibodies and may help determine if you were ever infected with COVID-19.
If I have COVID-19 antibodies will I be immune from getting COVID-19 again?
Whether or not people who have made antibodies that can be detected by this test are immune from reinfection is not yet known. That is why even if you have antibodies detected by this test you still need to follow all social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines, wear a face mask when out in public and wear whatever personal protective equipment is appropriate for your work setting.
All SBM employees are eligible. This is inclusive of RF, CPMP PEO, SBAS and SBCM employees. SOM employees who work primarily in the outpatient environment also can follow this testing process if they choose to. The Hospital will also be offering testing through their own program to employees.
Do I have to be tested?
No, the test is 100% voluntary.
Can I be tested while I am positive with COVID-19 and symptomatic?
No. If you are currently symptomatic you will not be tested now and you should be home in self-quarantine. Antibody testing may be performed at least two weeks after you no longer are symptomatic.
Is there a fee for the test?
No. The test is being offered at no cost to you regardless of whether or not you are enrolled in one of our employee medical plans. Your insurance plan will be billed with no out of pocket expense to you. If you do not have insurance you will not be billed.
What do I need to bring with me when I go to be tested?
You should arrive wearing your own protective mask or other cloth covering to adhere to guidelines for state-mandated mask use in public. The person drawing blood will be wearing the appropriate PPE according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
You must also bring a completed Test Requisition Form that will be sent to you once you respond to this email, your medical insurance card and your Stony Brook ID card.
How long before I know my results?
Results should be returned within 4 to 5 days.
How will I get my results?
Your results will be mailed to your home address.
Who will know my results other than me?
Test results are completely confidential. Your results will be reported to the ordering physician and then shared with you.
Will the results of this test be used to determine work assignments?
No, there are no plans to use the results of this test to determine work assignments.
If I already had the antibody test, can I get tested again?
If you already had an antibody test and were found to have antibodies, there is no added value to being tested again. As noted previously, even if you were found to have antibodies, it is not yet known if that means you are immune from reinfection. That is why even if you had antibodies detected by a prior test, you still need to follow all social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines, wear a face mask when out in public and wear whatever personal protective equipment is appropriate for your work setting. If you had a test in the past and were negative, you can choose to be tested again now.
What do I have to do to schedule testing?
All tests must be ordered by a licensed physician. A SBM physician will order your test after reviewing the information on the completed Test Requisition Form, which must be emailed from your work email to antibodytesting@stonybrookmedicine.edu.
Once your employee status is verified, a Test Requisition Form will be emailed back to you. You must print out the Test Requisition Form, fill in the information requested and bring it with you, along with your employee ID card and your health insurance card, when you go to have your blood drawn.
Where can I go to be tested?
You can have your blood drawn at any Sunrise Medical Laboratories Patient Services Centers (PSC) but you must first obtain the SBM Test Requisition Form and bring it with you the day of the test.
A full list of sites can be found at sunriselab.com/locations/new-york-pscs/
and you can choose to go to whichever site is most convenient for you.
In addition, the following Sunrise PSC sites are open for Stony Brook Medicine employees only, on these specific days and times:
- 500 Commack Road, Commack, NY 11725
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am – 4 pm (closed 12-12:30 for lunch) - 190 N. Belle Mead Road, East Setauket, NY 11733
Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 am – 4 pm (closed 12-12:30 for lunch)
Can I go to South P LOT or the ED to get the test?
No, you must have your blood drawn at a Sunrise Medical Laboratories PSC location.