AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightConclusion: We consider that antibody tests may be useful in screening for COVID-19 in circumstances where access to RT_PCR testing may be limited, particularly in cases in the first or second week of symptomatic infection.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to determine the reliability of rapid antibody detection test (RADT; Weimi Bio-Tech COVID-19 Antibody test) results and their compatibility with RT-PCR test in screening and control of COVID-19 infection. Material and Methods: Our study was conducted with the permission of the Ministry of Health and the local ethics committee of our hospital. Laboratory results of 624 healthcare personnel were recorded between May 2020 and November 2020. Two nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from each case to perform RT-PCR. Simultaneously serum/plasma samples were collected for RADT testing. Our hospital's data processing system (HIS) and laboratory information system (LIS) records were used for data collection. The level of agreement between the tests was calculated using Cohen's κ index. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 28.46 ± 2.35 years. Of all cases, 54% were female (n=337) and 46% (n=287) were male, and none of the cases had any comorbidity. Both RT-PCR and RADT were negative in 86% of the cases (n=540). RT-PCR results were positive in 13.6% (n=102) of the included cases. Of the 102 RT-PCR positive cases, 84 were positive by RADT and there were no false positive results with RADT. Sensitivity and specificity for all cases were 84.7% and 100%, respectively. In symptomatic cases, sensitivity was >95%. Conclusion: We consider that antibody tests may be useful in screening for COVID-19 in circumstances where access to RT_PCR testing may be limited, particularly in cases in the first or second week of symptomatic infection.
Özet
INTRODUCTION: It was aimed to determine the reliability of rapid antibody detection test (RADT) results and compatibility with RT-PCR assay in the screening and control of COVID-19 infection. METHODS: The retrospective study was performed with the permission of the Ministry of Health and the local ethics committee of our hospital. Between May 2020 and August 2021, 624 health staffs laboratory results were recorded. Data processing hospital (HIS) and laboratory information system (LIS) records of our hospital were used as data collection method. The level of agreement between tests was estimated using Cohen's κ index. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS open source software. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants in the study was 28,46 ± 2,35. 54% were female (337), 46% (n=287) were male, and they had no additional disease. Both rapid antibody testing and RT-PCR tests were negative in 86% (n=540) of all tests. Two nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from each case to perform the RADT and RT-PCR. 13,6% (n=102) of the included patients had positive RT-PCR results. The RADT detected 84 of the 102 RT-PCR-positive cases and there were no false positive results. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 84,7% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity was found >95% in symptomatic cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The Weimi Bio-Tech COVID-19 Ag RADT can be useful in screening for COVID-19, especially in cases in the first or second weeks of symptomatic infection.