Jinhai Wang, M.D., Virologist, Immunologist

Due to the fast progress of coronavirus infection in the acute phase, early diagnosis is paramount. It has been reported that antibodies (IgM, IgG) to COVID-19 only detectable 11, or 12 days later in most patients after infection. Therefore, acute COVID-19 infections would be wrongly diagnosed and not be treated on time.

CONCLUSION:  Anti-COVID-19 antibodies are not suitable markers for acute phase or early diagnosis of coronavirus infection. These anti-COVID-19 antibody assays may be good for vaccine development, assessing immune status to coronavirus.