ORIGINAL PAPER
Rapid serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM – not worth attention?
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1
NZOZ Gemini, Żychlin, Poland
(Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic)
2
Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
(Department of Infectious Diseases)
Online publication date: 2021-03-17
Corresponding author
Piotr M. Stępień
Jan Kochanowski University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Radiowa 7, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):203-9
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had spread worldwide since December
2019 and became a pandemic in March 2020. The diagnosis of an active infection is based on the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR) from the nasopharyngeal swab specimen. The aim of the current analysis was to assess the usefulness of the rapid serological tests for
diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infections. Material and Methods: The rapid serological tests detecting IgG/IgM antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 were voluntarily
performed in asymptomatic employees of 2 companies. The examination was conducted at the date and time selected online by the study participants.
The testing team consisted of 2 nurses collecting the samples and 1 doctor who interpreted the results. Each positive rapid test result was verified by an
RT-PCR examination from a nasopharyngeal swab. The testing kits named Vazyme: 2019-nCoV IgG/IgM Detection Kit (Colloidal Gold-Based) were
provided by the employer along with the manual and certificates. Results: The overall interest in testing among employees was below the employer’s expectations
and reached 30% and 20% in each of the 2 companies, respectively. A total of 516 participants were included in the analysis. Ten positive results of
the rapid tests were documented, including 7 for IgM and 3 for IgG antibodies. No positive result was confirmed by the detection of the genetic material
of the SARS-CoV-2 by the RT-PCR examination. Conclusions: Herein, the authors demonstrated the uselessness of rapid serological tests performed in
asymptomatic volunteers for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infections. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):203–9