The FDA has recently approved the first coronavirus antibody test for use in the United States. The new test, made by Cellex, looks for both immunoglobulin M (igM), and immunoglobulin G (igG), which are two different types of antibodies. Compared to the traditional swab tests that indicate whether one currently has the virus, antibody tests are administered through blood samples, and determine whether one has been exposed to the virus. While the approved test does not evaluate how well the antibodies are working or guarantee immunity, it is a step in the right direction. Moving forward, antibody testing can be used to determine how widespread the infection is in a population.

F.D.A. Approves First Coronavirus Antibody Test in U.S.

Such a test may help scientists learn how widespread the infection is, and how long people remain immune after recovering.