
IgG is the smallest and most abundant circulating antibody.Although IgM is the largest antibody by size, its relative abundance in the blood is only about 10% of total antibody count. This structure, coupled with the fact that the antigen-binding site of IgM is not highly specific, allows for simultaneous binding of multiple antigens and rapid clearing from the bloodstream during primary infection.

The IgM pentamer consists of 5 antibodies joined together to form a ring-like-structure. It can be expressed in monomeric form on the surface of B lymphocytes or found circulating in the blood and lymphatic fluid in pentameric form.

#Logic world igg verification#
And the American Society for Microbiology has developed step-by-step procedures to help labs develop efficient and effective verification protocols for EUA serologic assays.Īccurate interpretation of serology tests depends on antigen specificity. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently released updated performance characteristics for Emergency Use Authorized (EUA) serologic tests. These assay types differ in how they detect antibody-antigen binding. The platforms for COVID-19 serology tests on the market today include lateral flow assays, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) and chemiluminescent immunoassays. If the patient has developed antibodies in their blood against SARS-CoV-2, the corresponding antibodies will recognize and bind to the antigens, indicating past exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Capillary action draws the blood through the device where it mixes with the antigens. Blood serum is collected and applied to a testing platform that contains copies of viral antigen. Protocols and Platforms for COVID-19 Serology TestingĬOVID-19 serology testing relies on targeted antibodies binding to SARS-CoV-2-specific antigens. It takes 1-2 weeks post symptom onset for patients to seroconvert to SARS-CoV-2. Seroconversion is the development of detectable antibodies in the blood against a particular antigen. A given antibody recognizes and binds to its corresponding antigen in a manner analogous to a lock and key mechanism. Antibodies either mark microbes for destruction by immune cells or the complement system, or target and eliminate them directly. Antibodies are specialized Y-shaped proteins, also known as immunoglobulins, that recognize foreign particles (antigens) located on microbial surfaces.

When serology testing is used for diagnostic, surveillance or epidemiological purposes, antibodies and antigens are the 2 serum proteins of interest. Here we provide an in-depth look at the principles of serology testing – protocols, platforms, authorization guidelines, interpretation of results, accuracy concerns and overcoming roadblocks to success. On May 5, 2020, ASM hosted a Serology Testing Webinar for COVID-19. Close to 800 experts from around the world tuned in, making it abundantly clear that the demand for factual information about this topic is high.
