Meta-analysis of diagnostic performance of serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies up to 25 April 2020 and public health implications
Saverio Caini, Federica Bellerba, Federica Corso, Angélica Díaz‐Basabe, Gioacchino Natoli, John Paget, Federica Facciotti, Simone Pietro De Angelis, Sara Raimondi, Domenico Palli, Luca Mazzarella, Pier Giuseppe Pelicci, Paolo Vineis, Sara Gandini
Abstract
We reviewed the diagnostic accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 serological tests. Random-effects models yielded a summary sensitivity of 82% for IgM, and 85% for IgG and total antibodies. For specificity, the pooled estimate were 98% for IgM and 99% for IgG and total antibodies. In populations with ≤ 5% of seroconverted individuals, unless the assays have perfect (i.e. 100%) specificity, the positive predictive value would be ≤ 88%. Serological tests should be used for prevalence surveys only in hard-hit areas.
Topics & Concepts
SerologyAntibodyMedicineImmunologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Diagnostic testMeta-analysisPredictive valueVirologyInternal medicineVeterinary medicineDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchSARS-CoV-2 detection and testingCOVID-19 Clinical Research Studies