Rapid serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM - not worth attention?

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had spread worldwide since December 2019 and became a pandemic in March 2020. The diagnosis of an active infection is based on the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from the nasopharyngeal swab specimen. The aim of the current analysis was to assess the usefulness of the rapid serological tests for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rapid serological tests detecting IgG/IgM antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 were voluntarily performed in asymptomatic employees of 2 companies. The examination was conducted at the date and time selected online by the study participants. The testing team consisted of 2 nurses collecting the samples and 1 doctor who interpreted the results. Each positive rapid test result was verified by an RT-PCR examination from a nasopharyngeal swab. The testing kits named Vazyme: 2019-nCoV IgG/IgM Detection Kit (Colloidal Gold-Based) were provided by the employer along with the manual and certificates. RESULTS: The overall interest in testing among employees was below the employer's expectations and reached 30% and 20% in each of the 2 companies, respectively. A total of 516 participants were included in the analysis. Ten positive results of the rapid tests were documented, including 7 for IgM and 3 for IgG antibodies. No positive result was confirmed by the detection of the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 by the RT-PCR examination. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, the authors demonstrated the uselessness of rapid serological tests performed in asymptomatic volunteers for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infections. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):203-9.

Pulmonary embolism complicating the course of COVID-19 - an underestimated condition?

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2) was discovered in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019 and is believed to be the cause of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). There is some evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection can be complicated by pulmonary embolism. However, the pathomechanism of this relation is not fully understood, and data are still limited. The real incidence of this condition is not known, and available papers in the literature on this issue comprise case presentations and one report from a prospective multicentre study published very recently. Pulmonary angiography computed tomography seems to play a crucial role, allowing early and proper diagnosis of this condition. The timely recognition of pulmonary embolism is essential for the implementation of anticoagulant treatment.