Pitfalls in the diagnosis or screening of COVID-19 cases based on antibody detection: Review and solution

SARS-CoV-2 was found in Wuhan, China and has become a global pandemic until now. To achieve control of COVID-19, we need accurate and rapid diagnostic tests. There are two kinds of diagnostic: molecular tests to detect viral RNA and serological tests to detect anti-SARSCoV-2 immunoglobulins. Serological tests become an alternative or a complement to RT-PCR as it might be cheaper and easier. Combining IgM and IgG detection resulted in higher sensitivity than detecting either isotype alone. However, the tests have some limitations to measure IgM or IgG antibodies. Therefore, using merely such tests to diagnose COVID-19 will miss any infections. Consequently, the diagnosis or screening for COVID-19 using antibody test needs to be evaluated. We aim to decrease the risk of false-negative or false-positive in the tests.