Differences Between IgG & IgM Antibodies in Covid-19 Tests

IgG vs. IgM: The Difference Between the Antibodies

The FDA has recently awarded Healgen Scientific Emergency Use Authorization for the Rapid Result COVID-19 Antibody Test that AllSource Screening Solutions distributes. Now that antibody testing is increasing across the country, it is important for us to recognize the differences between the antibodies that are detectable by the Healgen COVID-19 rapid test.

IgG and IgM antibodies are both detected by the Healgen COVID-19 rapid test. Both of these antibodies are distinct from one another and they mean different things when detected in the body.

• IgG antibodies appear in the system upon the initial exposure of the body to a virus or disease. It is the natural response of the body’s immune system when a potentially threatening viral compound is detected. IgG antibodies will remain in the system from the time of exposure, through the time that the body is fighting the virus and even after the virus has been beaten and a full recovery has occurred. IgG antibodies indicate that an individual has been exposed to the virus.
• IgM antibodies evidence themselves while the virus is active in the body. IgM antibodies are in the system as the body fights the virus off. This means that during an infection, IgM antibodies will be present.

A positive test for IgM antibodies will in most cases also appear positive for IgG antibodies as both antibodies can be present in the body at one time. During the process of fighting the virus off, both antibodies can be expected to appear in an individual.

After an individual recovers from the virus it would be expected that the IgG antibody would continue to show as positive. That indicates prior initial exposure to the virus and not current infection.

With any questions regarding antibodies or the Healgen rapid results COVID-19 test, please reach out to AllSource Screening Solutions directly. Stay safe!