I have added no comments or opinions. Just passing along what was sent to me.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Today’s update includes information from the Infectious Diseases Society of America on the current state of antibody testing for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
According to a primer put out by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), as serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 advances, there are multiple issues that need to be addressed – from test quality to interpretation. Unlike molecular tests for COVID-19 (e.g., PCR), antibody tests may be better suited for public health surveillance and vaccine development than for diagnosis. The current antibody testing landscape is varied and clinically unverified, and these tests should not be used as the sole test for diagnostic decisions. Until more evidence about protective immunity is available, it is suggested that serology results not be used to make staffing decisions or decisions regarding the need for personal protective equipment.
Please read the attached document for additional information.
Key Takeaways:
Antibody tests are best suited for public health surveillance
Many of these antibody tests are clinically unverified
Currently, information related to antibody testing and protective immunity is lacking
Antibody tests should not be utilized for staffing decisions or decisions related to use of or need for PPE
For the reasons noted above and outlined in detail in the attached IDSA document, offering antibody testing to employees and/or medical staff (outside of a formally sanctioned epidemiological study in conjunction with the CDC or a department of health) is not currently recommended.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Today’s update includes information from the Infectious Diseases Society of America on the current state of antibody testing for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
According to a primer put out by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), as serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 advances, there are multiple issues that need to be addressed – from test quality to interpretation. Unlike molecular tests for COVID-19 (e.g., PCR), antibody tests may be better suited for public health surveillance and vaccine development than for diagnosis. The current antibody testing landscape is varied and clinically unverified, and these tests should not be used as the sole test for diagnostic decisions. Until more evidence about protective immunity is available, it is suggested that serology results not be used to make staffing decisions or decisions regarding the need for personal protective equipment.
Please read the attached document for additional information.
Key Takeaways:
Antibody tests are best suited for public health surveillance
Many of these antibody tests are clinically unverified
Currently, information related to antibody testing and protective immunity is lacking
Antibody tests should not be utilized for staffing decisions or decisions related to use of or need for PPE
For the reasons noted above and outlined in detail in the attached IDSA document, offering antibody testing to employees and/or medical staff (outside of a formally sanctioned epidemiological study in conjunction with the CDC or a department of health) is not currently recommended.
