June 26, 2020

Antibody Tests for Identification of Current and Past Infection with SARS-CoV-2

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• A literature review and meta-analysis (n=57 studies; 15,976 samples) compared 25 commercial antibody tests and numerous in-house assays. Pooled results across the 38 studies, stratified by time since symptom onset, found sensitivity was low during the first week (less than 30.1% across IgG, IgM, IgA, IgM/IgG, and total antibodies) and peaked in the third week (91.5%; 95%CI 87%, 94.4%). Specificity was high (>98%) during all time periods. Based on these estimates, the authors estimate positive and negative predictive values across three settings: 50% prevalence (healthcare workers reporting a history of respiratory symptoms), 20% prevalence (surveys in high-risk settings), and 5% prevalence (national surveys).  

Deeks et al. (June 25, 2020). Antibody Tests for Identification of Current and Past Infection with SARS-CoV-2. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013652