The German Quicktest offers these advantages:

• Accurate with high sensitivity and high specificity
• Can be performed using serum (internally validated)
• Tests for IgM and IgG antibodies
• Test can complement the direct detection of the pathogen (PCR)
• Validation via PCR has already been performed by the German test producer
• The test is CE certified, IVD registered and validated

The German IgM/IgG-Antibody-Quicktest can complement the direct detection of the pathogen (PCR)

Purposes that antibody testing can serve

In order to:

1. Make a differential diagnosis to distinguish the infection from other acute pulmonary infections such as influenza
2. Provide diagnostic assistance in the case of fresh infections
3. Document current or past infection ~ 2 - 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms
4. Track immune reactions in patients with a confirmed infection
5. Possibly document potential immunity if a patient only has positive IgG antibodies

Serology can also be used to collect epidemiological data, which is especially important in the case of this largely unexplored new infection:

• Median seroconversion is 13 days after the onset of symptoms – half of the patients have no detectable antibodies within the first 12 days
• The seroconversion rate is almost 100% 20 days after the onset of symptoms