Hemagglutination Test (HAT) to detect antibodies against the RBD domain of the SARS2-Covid19 virus
Abstract Serological detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is essential for establishing rates ofseroconversion in populations, and for seeking evidence for a level of antibody that may beprotective against COVID-19 disease. Several high-performance commercial tests have beendescribed, but these require centralised laboratory facilities that are comparativelyexpensive, and therefore not available universally. Red cell agglutination tests do notrequire special equipment, are read by eye, have short development times, low cost and canbe applied at the Point of Care. We describe a quantitative Haemagglutination test (HAT) forthe detection of antibodies to the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.The HAT has a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 99% for detection of antibodies after aPCR diagnosed infection. We will supply aliquots of the test reagent sufficient for tenthousand test wells free of charge to qualified research groups anywhere in the world.