A positive antibody test result is considered to mean a lower risk of being infected and thus a lower risk of passing the infection on to others. This assessment is based on the premise that people continue to comply with the authorities’ general recommendations and restrictions, as well as the legislation in place to reduce the spread of infection in society. It is, for example, important to continue to wash your hands, maintain your distance from people outside your usual social circle and stay home if you feel ill.

A positive antibody test result is likely to provide full or partial protection against reinfection for up to six months from the date of receiving the test result. However as knowledge increases, this assessment may be revised.

“We currently deem that a positive antibody test result increases the possibility of socialising with loved ones in particular. This can be of particular significance for people over 70 and people who belong to a risk group. They can also spend more time with loved ones who have antibodies, even if they do not have them themselves. However, you always have to make your own judgement based on the individual situation and take responsibility as an individual,” says Karin Tegland Wisell, Microbiology Department Head at the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

To be able to use the test results, the test must have a very high performance that provides a reliable result.