Abstract
Background: Point-of-care serological assays are a promising tool in COVID-19 diagnostics but do have limitations. Our study evaluated the sensitivity of five rapid antibody assays and explored factors influencing their sensitivity in detecting SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM antibodies.
Methods: Finger-prick blood samples from 102 participants, within 2-6 weeks of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, were tested for IgG and IgM using five rapid serological assays. The assay sensitivities were compared, and patient factors evaluated in order to investigate potential associations with assay sensitivity.
Results: Sensitivity ranged from 36% to 69% for IgG and 13% to 67% for IgM. Age was the only factor significantly influencing the likelihood of a detectable IgG or IgM response. Individuals aged 40 years and older had an increased likelihood of a detectable IgG or IgM antibody response by rapid antibody assay.
Conclusion: Rapid serological assays demonstrate significant variability when used in a real-world clinical context. There may be limitations in their use for COVID-19 diagnosis among the young.
Keywords: COVID-19; South Africa; age; antibody; diagnostics.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, antibody, diagnostics, South Africa, age, 【초록키워드】 IgG, IgM, antibody, diagnostics, sensitivity, Serological assay, IgM antibodies, serological assays, Patient, COVID-19 diagnosis, Rapid, antibody assay, association, IgG and IgM, Older, Factor, Participants, IgM antibody, individual, Variability, blood sample, limitation, South, SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG, IgM response, limitations, FIVE, likelihood, PCR-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, tested, significantly, detectable, evaluated, ranged, 【제목키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, sensitivity, antibody assay, significantly, influence,