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Coronavirus FAQ: My drugstore now offers antibody tests. Is it worth getting one?

Antibody tests may be coming soon to a pharmacy near you. Here's what the tests do — and don't — reveal about you and COVID-19.
Antibody tests are becoming more available at drugstores, but what do the results <em>really</em> tell you? Above: A Paris pharmacist deposits a blood sample for a COVID-19 antibody test.

Each week, we answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: "Weekly Coronavirus Questions." See an archive of our FAQs here.

My drugstore has started advertising antibody tests. Does that mean I can tell how protected I am from COVID by forking over a fee — I've seen $10 to $140 — and a vial of blood?

Although antibody tests are increasingly available, the answer is unfortunately, no. We put this question to experts, who

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