A negative test means you don’t have detectable antibodies against COVID-19. In most cases, this means you haven’t been exposed to the virus. While we don’t know for sure whether having antibodies to COVID-19 protects against the virus, we do know that not having antibodies means you’re still at risk for an infection.
Sometimes, there can be a negative test even if you have previously been infected with COVID-19. This is called a false negative. There may be several reasons for this, including not enough time for your body to develop antibodies after an infection or a weak response by your immune system that isn’t picked up by the test.
A negative antibody test also doesn’t rule out that you may have an active COVID-19 infection. It’s possible to be infected without having symptoms, so you could spread the virus to others without knowing it.
Whether you test negative or positive, the best thing you can do is continue to practice preventive measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. And if you develop symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to get care safely.