Comparison of RT-qPCR and serological immunosaaay
| RT-qPCR test | Serological antibody test | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage | High specific | Easy to use serological sample |
| Restriction |
Sensitivity can decrease due to specimen sampling errors or inadequate viral load (false negative). Inactive virus and viral fragments could also test positive (false positive). |
Not as accurate as RT-qPCR test, with false positive and false negative. False positive in a low prevalence population can give an overstatement of exposure and immunity. |
| Put right | Testing twice sequentially to enhance sensitivity. | Analysis validation with sufficient positive and negative sample cohorts; generally cannot be used to diagnosis test newly infected patients, but can be used as a screening test |
| Major utility | Standard of care diagnosis of newly infected and/or active COVID-19 patients. | Screening test for stratifying newly infected patients, surveillance assay for seroprevalence, immunity and vaccination efficacy. |
Abbreviation: RT-qPCR, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
