Rapid IgM/IgG Testing for #COVID19

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32104917 

Currently RT-PCR, CT imaging and blood work parameters (i.e. ferritin, d-dimer, lymphopenia, etc…) are used to diagnose infection BUT...there are major issues with RT-PCR

#COVID19FOAM

RT-PCR Limitations:

Long turnaround times
Require certified labs & expensive equipment
Many false negatives

525 Cases Tested

397 positive RT-PCR
128 negative RT PCR

352/397 tested positive = Sensitivity of 88.66%

256/397 (64.48%) had both IgM and IgG Abs

12/128 tested positive = Specificity of 90.63%

Also tested fingerstick vs peripheral blood in 10 patients

7 COVID-19 positive
3 Healthy volunteers

3 pts IGM only
4 pts IgM & IgG positive
All healthy volunteers negative

Detection of IgM and IgG combined into one test can give valuable info on time from virus exposure and provide info on virus infection time course

Bottom Line: Compared to RT-PCR, Rapid IgM/IgG

Faster (15min)
Simple to perform
No additional equipment required
Can be performed at the bedside or any clinic
Can also screen asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers

For more on this topic checkout REBEL EM: COVID-19 - Laboratory and Imaging Abnormalities https://rebelem.com/covid-19-laboratory-and-imaging-abnormalities/ #FOAMed