Loading

Current COVID-19 antibody study is closed

The COVID-19 antibody study scheduled for Jan. 30 through Feb. 3, 2023 is closed to any new participants. Thanks to the overwhelming response from the ASU community, we reached our maximum number of participants earlier than expected.

If you are already enrolled in the study but are having trouble rescheduling, completing the questionnaire, or logging in, please contact us at serosurveyhelp@asu.edu.

What is it?

We are looking for students, faculty and staff to participate in a study on COVID-19 antibodies in the ASU population. This study will help us understand the prevalence and distribution of COVID-19 antibodies at ASU and help us develop strategies for keeping people safe.

What are antibodies?

Antibodies are one of the tools your body uses to fight off diseases. Your body makes antibodies (a type of protein) in response to an infection or a vaccine. Antibodies help fight off future infections from that disease. This study measures levels of antibodies in blood that may protect against infection.

Who can participate?

Any ASU student, faculty or staff member can participate. Participation is completely voluntary.

Will I be paid for participating?

Yes. You will receive $40 for your participation.

What will be involved?

We ask each participant to:

  • Consent to participate in the study.
  • Fill out a brief, confidential questionnaire. (This will take 15-20 minutes.)
  • Provide blood and saliva samples. (This will take 15-20 minutes)

Will I find out my results?

If we detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in your saliva sample, a clinical representative from ASU will contact you.

You can request the result of your blood antibody test by emailing serosurvey@asu.edu. We will get your results as soon as they are available (within 4-6 weeks). You should not interpret the results of this test as an indication or degree of immunity or protection from infection. Regardless of your test result, you should continue to follow CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of infection, including social distancing and wearing masks.

What happens to my samples after the study?

We will destroy your samples after testing them, unless you provide written consent to use them for other research studies.

How do I participate?

You will need to come to the Tempe campus on one of the five study days:

  • Dates: January 30 through February 3 (choose one day)
  • Times: An appointment of your choosing between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (This will take 15-20 minutes)
  • Location: Biodesign A Lower Auditorium, AL 1-10, Tempe campus

How to participate:

  1. Sign up for an account at asuresearchportal.pointnclick.com using population code serosurvey3.
  2. After registration, log in and fill out the online consent form.
  3. Choose an appointment date and time.
  4. Complete the online questionnaire, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Your appointment will not be honored if you do not complete the questionnaire.
  5. Bring identification with you, and do not eat, drink, smoke, vape, chew gum, brush your teeth or use oral hygiene products for at least 30 minutes before arriving at your appointment.

My arm is sore from the test today. Is that normal?

It is normal to experience slight pain, swelling or bruising at the site where your blood was drawn. To limit bruising and swelling, you should:

  • Apply pressure: Apply firm pressure to the puncture site and keep the protective bandage on for at least 6 hours afterward.
  • Avoid strenuous activity: Do not lift heavy objects immediately after a blood draw.
  • Refrain from wearing tight clothing: Tight clothing may prevent blood from circulating and place extra pressure on the veins, leading to a larger bruise.
  • Apply a cold compress: Doing this may reduce discomfort.

In case of a medical emergency, please call 911.

What does a positive antibody test mean?

If you have a positive test result, it is possible that you have or previously had COVID-19 and that you developed an antibody response to the virus. A positive result may also occur after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

There is a small chance that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (a false positive). Your health care provider can work with you to determine the likelihood of a false result.

A positive antibody test, even one for protective antibodies, does not guarantee that you will not become infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). We do not know how long COVID-19 antibodies remain in the body after an infection or what levels are needed to prevent a future infection. Antibody tests also only measure one component of your immune system.

The best way to prevent a severe COVID-19 infection is to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

What does a negative antibody test mean?

A negative antibody test result means we did not find COVID-19 antibodies in your blood. However, it is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (a false negative) in some people with COVID-19. This may occur if you are tested early in your illness and your body hasn’t had time to produce antibodies.

The meaning of a negative antibody test result for individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine is unknown.

However, antibody levels decrease with time after vaccination. It is not known how long antibody levels can be detected after either vaccination or infection. This may suggest that yearly boosting will be necessary, although there is no federal guidance on yearly boosting at this time.

What does a positive PCR (saliva) test mean?

If you have a positive result, it is very likely that you have COVID-19. You should follow CDC guidance for isolation to avoid spreading the virus to others.

There is a smaller possibility that you received a positive result that is wrong (a false positive). Your health care provider can help determine how best to care for you based on the test results along with your medical history and symptoms.

What does a negative PCR (saliva) test mean?

A negative result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample. However, it is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (a false negative) in some people with COVID-19. For example, you might get a negative result if you were tested very early in your infection. This means you could possibly still have COVID-19. Your health care provider can help determine how best to care for you based on test results, medical history and symptoms.

I’m having difficulty registering. Where can I find help?

Please refer to the instructions below for a detailed registration walkthrough.

Where can I get more information?

Help us understand COVID-19 in the ASU community!