We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App





Using Combination of Several SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Tests May Give Best Results for Detecting COVID-19, Finds Study

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 04 Dec 2020
A new study indicates that the sensitivity of tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a blood sample may differ significantly and a combination of several tests may give the best result in detecting COVID-19.

In a study by the University of Tartu (Tartu, Estonia), researchers analyzed nine coronavirus antibody tests that were most widely used during the outbreak in spring. More...
Seven of them were by major producers and two were laboratory tests developed at the University of Tartu. The study involved 97 patients with confirmed COVID-19. The IgG antibodies to coronavirus were determined by nine tests and the test results were compared based on the patients' symptoms (cough, headache, tiredness, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, etc.) and the time between the onset of the disease and the antibody test. The majority of studied patients had COVID-19 symptoms, except for about one fifth of them.

The study revealed that in general, the sensitivity of the tests was lower than the producers had stated. In half of the patients, all nine antibody tests gave a positive result. In two patients, none of the tests detected coronavirus antibodies. This implies that antiviral antibodies might not even emerge in some COVID-19 patients. For the rest of the patients, the test results varied. Analysis of the correlation of the results indicated that in some patients, the prevailing antibodies were those against the nucleocapsid while in others antibodies against the spike protein prevailed.

Some tests worked equally well for asymptomatic patients and those with many symptoms. In the case of some tests, the results were highly dependent on the time of taking the sample and the number of symptoms. For instance, for some tests, the positivity rate in asymptomatic COVID-19 cases was about two times lower than in polysymptomatic ones. The best diagnostic sensitivity in detecting antibodies was achieved by combining several antibody tests, for instance, a test detecting antibodies to the spike protein with the test detecting antibodies to the nucleocapsid. According to researchers, there is no one perfect test that works well in all cases. To get the most reliable result, the tests may need to be combined.

"This is a very important piece of knowledge for planning major seroepidemiological studies," said the lead author of the study Paul Naaber, Senior Research Fellow in Medical Microbiology at the University of Tartu.

Related Links:
University of Tartu


Gold Member
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Sample-To-Answer Test
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Cartridge (CE-IVD)
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Hand-Held Immunofluorescence Analyzer
WS-Si1500
New
Host Response Immunoassay Test
MeMed BV
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: How the predictive test works (Photo courtesy of QMUL)

World’s First Clinical Test Predicts Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK today, causing the immune system to attack its joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, RA can... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.