SARS-CoV-2 serology: Test, test, test, but interpret with caution!
William H Bermingham, Thomas Wilding, Sarah Beck and Aarnoud Huissoon
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmed.2020-0170
Clin Med June 2020 William H Bermingham
AUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK;
Roles: specialist trainee in clinical immunology and Royal College of Physicians chief registrar
Thomas Wilding
BUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK;
Roles: senior clinical scientist in immunology
Sarah Beck
CUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK;
Roles: consultant clinical scientist in immunology
Aarnoud Huissoon
AUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK;
Roles: consultant immunologist
ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 serological tests are a subject of intense interest and have the potential to significantly enhance the diagnostic capability of healthcare services in the current pandemic. However, as with all novel assays, significant validation is required to understand the clinical relevance of results.
We present the first study to assess clinician interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 serology scenarios. We identify common key assumptions regarding patient infectivity and protection that are not currently supported by the SARS-CoV-2 evidence base. In this rapidly developing field, we therefore strongly recommend serological assay results are accompanied by clear interpretive support from laboratory and infectious diseases specialists.
- © Royal College of Physicians 2020. All rights reserved.
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SARS-CoV-2 serology: Test, test, test, but interpret with caution!
William H Bermingham, Thomas Wilding, Sarah Beck, Aarnoud Huissoon
Clinical Medicine Jun 2020, clinmed.2020-0170; DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0170