Evaluation of Rapid Antibody Test Compatibility in COVID-19 Cases Confirmed by RT-PCR Assay

Year 2024, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 57 - 64, 31.08.2024

Asuman Akkaya Fırat , Haluk Kılıç , Serkan Elarslan , Ümit Bilgili , Hanife Aydın Yazıcılar , Ebru Tarıkçı Kılıç , Uğur Ayan

https://doi.org/10.33716/bmedj.1440843

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.

Keywords

COVID-19, RT-PCR test, Rapid antibody test

RT-PCR Testi ile doğrulanmış COVID-19 olgularında hızlı antikor testi uyumluluğunun değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

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.

Keywords

COVID-19, RT_PCR assey, Rapid antibody test

Ethical Statement

Dear Editor, We would like to submit the attached manuscript, “Evaluation of rapid antibody test compatibility in COVID-19 cases confirmed by RT-PCR assey ” for consideration for possible publication in Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi (STED) The approval from local educational research committee was taken prio to study. We would like to undertake that the mentioned manuscript has not been published elsewhere, accepted for publication elsewhere. Each author participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for appropriate portions of the content of the manuscript. The authors declare that they have no potential conflict of interest. Please let me know of your decision at your earliest convenience. With my best regards, Asuman Akkaya Fırat

Supporting Institution

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Thanks

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