The diagnostic accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antibody tests among asymptomatic employees returning to work during General Community Quarantine Period (June 1 to July 31, 2020)
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.4255
- Author:
Antonio Miguel L. Dans
1
,
2
;
Leonila F. Dans
1
,
3
;
Milagros L. Tan
4
;
Ian Theodore G. Cabaluna
5
Author Information
1. Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Manila
2. Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines-Manila
3. Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines-Manila
4. Unilab Inc
5. College of Medicine, UP-Manila
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Rapid Antibody Test;
Asymptomatic Workers
- MeSH:
Sensitivity and Specificity;
COVID-19;
SARS-CoV-2
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2020;54(Rapid Reviews on COVID19):1-6
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:The study was done to determine the diagnostic accuracy of rapid antibody tests (RATs) in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection among asymptomatic employees returning to work. The study also aimed to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection among these workers.
Methods:The study was a retrospective cohort of asymptomatic employees involved in the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of pharmaceutical, consumer, and animal products in the Philippines. They underwent screening for COVID-19 using both rapid antibody and RT-PCR tests as part of the return-to-work company policy from June 1 to July 31, 2020. The sensitivity and specificity of the RATs were computed using RT-PCR as the reference standard. The prevalence of RT-PCR positive COVID-19 infections among asymptomatic returning workers was also determined.
Results:Asymptomatic workers (n=5,585) were simultaneously tested for COVID-19 using RAT and RT-PCR. The sensitivity of a positive IgG and IgM was 23.9 (95% CI: 22.8 – 25.0), while the specificity was 93.3 (95% CI: 92.6 - 93.9). The prevalence of RT-PCR identified COVID-19 infection among asymptomatic workers was 4.9% (95% CI: 4.4 – 5.5).
Conclusion:The utility of RATs as a screening tool to detect asymptomatic COVID-19 individuals is limited due to its low sensitivity compared to RT-PCR.
