Clinical meanings of rapid serological assay in patients tested for SARS-Co2 RT-PCR

Angelo Virgilio Paradiso; Simona De Summa; Daniela Loconsole; Vito Procacci; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Nicola Silvestris; Vito Cafagna; Giuseppe De Palma; Antonio Tufaro; Vito Garrisi; Maria Chironna

The RT-PCR test for identificationof viral nucleic acid is the current standard diagnostic method for the diagnosis of COVID-19. However, this assay has some practical limitations (3)such as the annoying method to obtain biological material from the nasopharynx, the relatively long time to generate results, the need for certified laboratories and specific expertise. These limitations make RT-PCR unsuitable for a quick and simple patient screening and therefore, the search for a precise, rapid and simple test to quickly identify SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in a large scale screening has become urgent to prevent virus transmission and to ensure timely treatment of patients. The Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health of the National University of Singapore (https://sph.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Science-Report-Diagnostics-13-Mar.pdf) recently reviewed the diagnostic test for COVID-19 infection currently undergoing clinical validation by listing dozens of assays based on RT-PcR, RealtimePcR, NGS, Microfluidics. Twelve immunoassays based on the evidence of COVID-19 related IgG andIgMwere also listed. This latter experimental attempt, based on previous experiences with epidemic viral SARS infection, argued that IgM specific SARS-CoV-2 antibody could be detected in the blood after 3-6 days while IgGsome days later (4). It has also been speculated that, since SARS-All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission. author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity.