Antibody Testing as a Tool of Pandemic Management

Neutralization tests can indicate whether the patient has active, functional antibodies to the pathogen in question by measuring how much the antibodies can inhibit viral growth in the lab

Lateral flow assays (LFAs), also called rapid serology tests, display a colorimetric, qualitative readout of the presence of antibodies. These are often used in point-of-care settings. The patient sample is flowed over a membrane that has the target antigen anchored. If the sample contains antibodies specific to that antigen, they form a complex that results in a coloured band on the strip.

These are functionally similar to pregnancy tests.

The current direction of travel in discussions among immunologists and public-health officials in rich countries is to explore the feasibility of combining different vaccines to generate a better immune response to VOCs. This is a direct response to the rise in breakthrough infections among vaccinated people. Third doses to strengthen immunity are being explored in clinical trials in the UK, for example. Some countries are going ahead with such a programme in the absence of clear data justifying the need for boosters. United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Bahrain are already providing third doses to some who are vaccinated with vaccines made by AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Sinovac. Both previously administered shots and mRNA vaccines are being used.

• Percentage Coefficient of Variation
• Chemiluminescent Immunoassays
• Enzyme Immunoassays
• Emergency Use Listing
• USA Food and Drug Administration
• Instructions For Use
• In-vitro Diagnostic
• Limits of Detection
• Nucleic Acid Test
• National Serology Reference Laboratory, Australia
• Rapid Diagnostic Tests
• Signal to Cut-off
• Therapeutic Goods Administration
• World Health Organization