SARS-CoV-2 Serology Testing in an Asymptomatic, At-Risk Population: Methods, Results, Pitfalls

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population of pediatric healthcare workers (HCWs). This study was conducted 14 May–13 July 2020. Study participants included pediatric HCWs at a pediatric hospital with either direct patient contact or close proximity to patient-care areas. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were assessed via the Wytcote Superbio SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG Antibody Fast Detection Kit and the Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Participants underwent RT-PCR testing upon entry to the study and following rapid IgM+/IgG+ results; respiratory panel PCR (RP-PCR) was performed following IgM+ results. A total of 57 of 289 (19.7%) of participants demonstrated positive serology as assessed by the Wytcote rapid kit (12 on Day 1 and 45 throughout the study). However, only one of these participants demonstrated IgG+ serology via the Abbott assay. Two participants tested SARS-CoV-2+ via RT-PCR testing. One individual was adenovirus+ and enterovirus/rhinovirus+. In our study population, we observed a seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of 0.35%. The lack of concordance between antibody tests suggests that the Wytcote rapid test kit may not be of use as a screening tool. However, the feasibility of the overall process indicates that a similar methodology may have potential for future epidemiologic surveillance.

Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 Serology Testing and Pandemic Anxiety: A Study of Pediatric Healthcare Workers

“…There are a potential myriad of reasons baseline anxiety may have increased between phase 1 and phase 2, including differing study populations and rising case counts in the surrounding areas with a community prevalence in phase 1 of 99.5 per 100,000 compared to 458 per 100,000 during phase 2. 25,26 This study also demonstrated that from baseline to testing day 3, anxiety decreased in participants that tested positive or negative. After testing day 3, reported anxiety in those with positive results increased back towards baseline anxiety levels whereas decreased anxiety levels in the negative group were maintained through testing day 7.…”

Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 Serology Testing and Pandemic Anxiety: A Study of Pediatric Healthcare Workers

“…Although those in the PICU also reported higher levels of baseline anxiety, this is somewhat difficult to interpret as those working in the PICU only participated in phase 2, which was itself associated with higher levels of baseline anxiety regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a potential myriad of reasons why baseline anxiety may have increased between phase 1 and phase 2, including differing study populations and rising case counts in the surrounding areas, with a community prevalence in phase 1 of 99.5 per 100,000 compared to 458 per 100,000 during phase 2 [ 35 , 36 ].…”