The body makes different antibodies, or immunoglobulins, to fight the different viruses. IgG antibody test and IgM antibody test are often used for Covid-19 testing. A vaccine antibody test, also known as a vaccine immunoglobulin test, is conducted to check whether individuals have developed antibodies after being vaccinated.
What is a Covid-19 IgG antibody test versus an IgM antibody test? What is the difference in between?
Both IgM and IgG antibody tests are blood test, conduct both of them are served as a much all-rounded antibodies testing after being vaccinated.
| Immunoglobulin M (IgM) | Immunoglobulin G（IgG） |
Found in | Mainly in blood and lymph fluid The first antibody which body makes when fighting against a new infection. When your body has an infection, your IgM level will rise for a short time. It will then begin to drop as your IgG level kicks in and increases to protect you long-term | Blood and other body fluids
Most common antibody. These antibodies protect you against infection by "remembering" which germs you've been exposed to before. If those germs come back, your immune system knows to attack them |
Test type | Blood test |
Test object | IgM antibodies | IgG antibodies |
Appear since | Initial stage when exposed to a virus | Later stage when exposed to a virus |
Test result | - Positive or negative
- Level of antibodies
|
General result of positive indication | Recent infection or vaccinated | Past infection or vaccinated |
Implication for Covid-19 | To verify whether a patient has been vaccinated for Covid-19. Being aware of the Covid-19 news from different countries, individual with positive result, along with other conditions, may possible to shorten quarantine period at certain extend. |
