Serological and PCR Testing for COVID-19

Richmond Research Institute (RRI) is applying existing and new COVID-19 PCR and antibody tests to help develop methodologies which provide fast and accurate results. Infection with coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is currently a worldwide pandemic and reliable testing for COVID-19 is crucial to understand who is infected and therefore a risk to others by spreading the infection. RRI are currently carrying out the following tests: A. Using a membrane-based immunoassay to detect IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in whole blood, serum or plasma specimens helps to assess whether an individual has previously had the virus and is potentially immune B. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing using an established method to check for active SARS-CoV-2 infections. C. Quantification of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies in whole blood samples. The above tests are being used by RRI to follow infections (PCR) and immunity (IgG) in their workforce, as well as their families (including children) and visitors to their site. Collecting this data allows the gathering of epidemiological data on SARS-CoV-2 including incidence, prevalence, information on asymptomatic carriers and efficacy of vaccination. Furthermore, identifying individuals that are infected with SARS-CoV-2 has great potential to improve health outcomes by allowing infected individuals to seek the correct medical treatment as well as self-isolate and reduce transmission.