A serological assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in at-home collected finger-prick dried blood spots

Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 19;10(1):20188. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-76913-6.

Abstract

Accurate surveillance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence requires large-scale testing of the population. Current testing methods require in-person collection of biospecimens by a healthcare worker, limiting access of individuals who do not have access to testing facilities while placing both patients and healthcare workers at risk of exposure to infection. We report the development and validation of a at-home finger-prick dried blood spot collection kit and an analysis method. We demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity using at-home collected specimens across the US. Such methods may facilitate the conduct of unbiased serosurveys within hard to reach populations and help reduce the sample collection burden of serological testing on both health care systems and individuals alike.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19 Serological Testing / methods*
  • COVID-19 Serological Testing / standards
  • Dried Blood Spot Testing / instrumentation
  • Dried Blood Spot Testing / standards*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / standards*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic