SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) serology: implications for clinical practice, laboratory medicine and public health

Abstract

KEY POINTS Multiple commercial assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies have been approved for use as serological tests by Health Canada, with some manufacturers claiming about 95% sensitivity and about 99.5% specificity. The detectable presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies has not yet been proven to confer meaningful or durable immunity to reinfection. Thus, serological testing should not be used to guide individual decisions about personal or occupational exposures, use of personal protective equipment and physical distancing. At present, clinical indications for serologic testing in health care settings are limited, and SARS-CoV-2 serological testing has no role in routine clinical care. Serological testing at this time should be focused on research concerning immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and population-level studies to inform public health responses to the Canadian coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic.