Detection of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in dried blood spots utilizing manual or automated spot extraction and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)

Knoop, Andre; Geyer, Hans; Lerch, Oliver; Rubio, Ana; Schrader, Yvonne; Thevis, Mario

Serological test methods to detect anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies represent a major measure to manage the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In this communication, test results obtained from minimal‐invasively collected dried blood spot (DBS) specimens, which can be sampled ‘at home’ without the need of medically trained personnel, are compared to conventionally collected venous blood samples. DBS samples were prepared for analysis either manually or by a card extraction robot, and electrochemiluminescence assay (ECLIA) characteristics, assay readout values as well as stability data covering a period of more than 200 days are provided. Constant anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody readouts of quality control DBS were obtained over the entire test period using DBS specimens stored under dry and dark conditions. In addition, test results obtained from individuals tested twice within 10 months post‐infection indicated a consistent presence of antibodies.