Meta-analysis of diagnostic performance of serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies up to 25 April 2020 and public health implications

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.

Source: Eurosurveillance - June 11, 2020 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Saverio Caini, Federica Bellerba, Federica Corso, Ang élica Díaz-Basabe, Gioacchino Natoli, John Paget, Federica Facciotti, Simone Pietro De Angelis, Sara Raimondi, Domenico Palli, Luca Mazzarella, Pier Giuseppe Pelicci, Paolo Vineis and Sara Gandini Source Type: research