Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 16, 2021

Age- and Sex-Associated Variations in the Sensitivity of Serological Tests Among Individuals Infected With SARS-CoV-2

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Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 75% (365 of 486) of patients in a University of California health system with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 who subsequently underwent antibody testing a median of 34 days later (IQR: 3-64 days). Seropositivity was associated with a longer delay between PCR and antibody testing, with sensitivity reaching 75% at 112 days after the positive PCR result. Sensitivity varied significantly by test type, with the Beckman Coulter IgG test having the highest maximum sensitivity of 84%. Sensitivity was significantly higher among males (79%; peak at 126 days after PCR test) and among patients aged 50-59 years (87%). The authors note that these findings suggest that measuring serological levels too soon after SARS-CoV-2 infection might lead to an incorrect assessment of immune response.

Vashisht et al. (Feb 12, 2021). Age- and Sex-Associated Variations in the Sensitivity of Serological Tests Among Individuals Infected With SARS-CoV-2. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.0337