Abstract

During early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was understood that individuals in high exposure occupations would be at greater risk of infection. At this stage, PCR testing was limited to individuals with mild/moderate acute respiratory symptoms. Due to the possibility of asymptomatic cases among healthcare workers and law enforcement officers, AMD Urgent Care of Swartz Creek, MI obtained rapid immunochromatography SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests (SDS Biosensor Standard Q Covid-19 IgM/IgG Duo Test kit). This study had two aims. First, to determine potential cross reactivity to non-Covid-19 seasonal coronaviruses in the region. Second, to analyze agreement between antibody tests and PCR tests. False-positive results due to cross reactivity with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus antibodies were addressed by screening serum samples obtained before prevalence of Covid-19 in the U.S. 56 serum samples were provided by MDHHS and were tested for Covid-19 IgM and IgG antibodies using the same rapid antibody test being used in the clinic. Antibody positive (IgM, IgG, or both) individuals were recommended a PCR test following antibody detection. PCR test results were compared to rapid antibody test results to determine agreement. Separate analyses were conducted for three possible antibody outcomes that would result in a PCR test being administered (IgM+/IgG-, IgM-/IgG+, IgM+/IgG+). Occupational information was collected in a follow-up survey to separate individuals into cohorts based on exposure risk according to OSHA guidelines. SDS Biosensor rapid antibody tests did not indicate a positive result for any pre-pandemic serum samples (0 out of 56). Point of care testing with the rapid test between 4/17/2020 and 6/10/2020 resulted in a positivity rate of 9.99% (188/1882). These rates will be compared to prevalence of non-Covid-19 coronavirus cases in Michigan. Agreement between the positive rapid antibody tests and the subsequent PCR tests was 94%.

Class Standing

Senior

Department

Biology

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Josh Sharp

Faculty Advisor Email

jsharp@nmu.edu

Date

2021

Download

Share

COinS