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

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.