Think you already had coronavirus? Visit a Quest Diagnostics laboratory to find out.

Everyone knows someone who claims they have already had COVID-19. As states and municipalities begin to lift stay-at-home orders, the urgency to find out is getting stronger. Quest Diagnostics, one of the nation's largest testing laboratories, is now offering an antibody test that can be ordered directly without a doctor's order. The test costs $119 and can be booked online at GetQuestTest.com. 

The blood test detects the presence of immunoglobulin G, IgG antibodies from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 infection. A person who has been infected with coronavirus could begin to show antibodies around 10 to 18 days after the infection is over. Results from the test are available in two days.

"With the introduction of this test and service, Quest is making it easy for people to access quality testing for antibodies to the virus which causes COVID-19, with access to physician interpretation and steering into needed care," said Jay Wohlgemuth, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Quest Diagnostics. “Our goal is to empower individuals and their physicians to make informed decisions about their risk of infection and of spreading the virus." 

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The test will not show antibodies in the blood of someone who is currently infected with the coronavirus, so if you feel symptomatic you should not take this test. You may be able to get the cost of the test covered if you have it ordered by your health care provider. You should also call your insurance company first to find out if they will cover the test.

As antibody testing becomes more prevalent, the Food and Drug Administration is warning health care providers and the public to be aware that all antibody tests are not equal. You should only trust results from an antibody test that has been approved by the FDA.