Show All Answers

1. What is a COVID-19 Antibody Test?

This test will identify if you have any antibodies to COVID-19. These tests are also called serology tests.  Antibody tests look for the body’s response to an infection instead of looking for the virus itself.  Antibodies are proteins that the body makes to fight off infections. They are one part of the immune system response to infection. Because it takes days to weeks for the body to create antibodies, these types of tests are not recommended for initial diagnosis of COVID-19.

This is not a test to diagnose COVID-19. If you have symptoms or if you were recently exposed and you need to be tested to find out if you have COVID-19, RT-PCR testing (nasal swab) is more appropriate for you.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, click here.

2. Who qualifies to receive an antibody test?

Everyone qualifies to receive an antibody test. However, specific groups will be prioritized for testing – including healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers.

If you have symptoms at the moment or were very recently exposed and you need to be diagnosed with COVID-19, this is not the appropriate test. Please contact your healthcare provider in order to receive the appropriate test.

3. What do my antibody test results mean?

See results flyer

4. When and where are the testing sites?

There will be several testing sites made available in phases. Testing is open to healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers. More sites will be made available throughout the next several weeks. These sites will all remain open as testing supplies allow and several time slots will be available per day.

Testing sites are located at Longwood Gardens in the South Lot (1010 East Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford 19317) and The Chester County Public Safety Training Campus (137 Modena Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320)

Registration link for antibody testing:  See the “Register Here” button on the main testing page.

Only enclosed passenger vehicles and small vans and trucks will be permitted to enter the site. Large commercial vehicles and motorcycles are prohibited, as are pedestrians.

Only service animals are permitted onsite.

5. Do I need an appointment?

Yes, each individual wanting a test must register in advance. Individuals without a Confirmation # will not be permitted onsite. 

Each individual must have a Confirmation # to access testing. Please retain this Confirmation # (printed or on your smartphone) and show it when you enter the site. 

There will not be any treatment conducted on-site.

6. How do I make an appointment?

Click the registration button above to register for active testing sites. 

If you do not have internet access, please call the Health Department to make a testing site appointment: 610-344-6225, option number 4, 8:30am-4:30pm 7 days a week.

You will receive a Confirmation # over the phone and must keep it for your records in order to access the testing sites.

7. What if I need to cancel my appointment?

When you register, you will receive a registration email and scheduling confirmation email. Click the appropriate links in the scheduling email to adjust or cancel your appointment.

8. Can Non-Chester County residents register for the test sites?

Testing is currently for first responders, healthcare workers, and essential workers who live or work in Chester County.

9. Does this testing cost money?

No. COVID-19 Antibody Testing is offered at no cost to the public.

10. What will I need to bring to my testing appointment?

A printed or digital copy of your registration Confirmation #. 

Registration confirmation will be emailed to you (or provided via phone) and will include instructions on what to bring with you for testing, testing site location address, and precautions to be taken upon arrival at the site. Each individual must complete a registration. Individuals are required to come directly to the testing site and return directly home.

11. Can I bring other friends or members of my household for testing with me?

No. Testing appointments are provided one per person. If multiple members of a household want to be tested, then each member must register for their own appointment time slot. If there are other people in your car without a registration, they will not be provided a test.

Please ensure that only people living in your house come to the testing site with you. Do not offer to carpool with neighbors, friends, etc. 

12. Can children be tested?

Children must be at least 12 years old to get tested. They must be registered and have parent or guardian consent in the registration process.

13. Are there public restrooms available at the sites?

Public bathroom facilities are not available at the test sites, so plan accordingly as wait times may vary.

14. How is this test administered?

This test is a finger prick test, similar to a glucose self-test. You will hold out your finger through your car window and a testing team member will prick your finger with a small lancet. A drop of blood will be collected and placed into the testing device.

15. How do I receive my results once I get through the testing site?

If you provided an email address at the time of registration, you will receive your results within 24 hours following your test via email. 

If you provided a phone number at the time of registration, you will receive your results by phone within 48 hours following your test. If you do not pick up this call, you will be called one more time by Health Department staff. After that, you will have to call the Health Department during business hours (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM).

Staff will NOT leave a voicemail with test results. Staff will NOT give results after business hours.