Has the advantages of speed, convenience, and safety.
The research team successfully developed a reagent for detecting SARS-CoV-2 IgM-IgG conjugated antibodies with the assistance and support of Jiangsu Meike Pharmaceutical Technology Co. Clinical specimens from COVID-19 patients were tested in tertiary hospitals and provincial disease prevention and control centers across the country, verifying the sensitivity and specificity of the test reagent and its clinical application value. The test reagent can reportedly be performed only by a drop of blood and results can be obtained in approximately 15 minutes, thus greatly reducing the testing time (viral nucleic acid RT-PCR testing takes 3-4 hours to produce results). After multi-center testing and evaluation of clinical specimens, the test reagents had a sensitivity of 88.66% for clinical detection and a specificity of 90.63% for testing.
The sensitivity of the combined IgM-IgG antibody assay was much higher than that of the IgM or IgG, antibody assays alone (94.83% sensitivity vs. 1.72% and 3.45%). In addition, the antibody detection reagent was compared by the results of fingertip blood and venous blood, and it was found that the consistency of the two assays was basically in agreement. It is suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 IgM-IgG Conjugated Antibody Rapid Test Kit can be used as a prompt test (POCT). Blood can be collected at the bedside with a fingertip for testing, which heralds a more convenient screening method. This convenient (droplet test), rapid (results in 15 minutes), safe (non-direct contact with respiratory viruses), and highly sensitive (IgM-IgG conjugated antibodies) antibody test kit for COVID-19, both of which are complementary tests for patients who are negative for viral nucleic acid, can improve clinical diagnostic yield.
It could also be used as a rapid screening method to take advantage of screening during large-scale movement of people and recovery, such as restoring the workforce and resuming labor in the country. Zhong began by describing the basic features of the new pandemic virus, including the genetic sequence of the virus, the nature of human-to-human transmission, and the multiple routes of transmission. When it comes to detecting the new virus, Zhong described the rapid IgM (immunoglobulin M) test strips developed by the team as a complementary means of nucleic acid detection. He also described the use of thermostable amplification chips, which can help testers differentiate between new coronavirus, influenza A virus and influenza B virus. Given the condition of some of the newly cured coronary patients in Fuyang City, Zhong believes that the level of IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies in the cured patients has been greatly increased. In this case, the test results are unlikely to be attributable to a recurrence of the Fuyang virus. It is unclear whether the Fuyang patient's nucleic acid test is still infectious, and Zhong suggested that medical staff should continue to be isolated and examined after discharge.