The CombiCOV Project, the first serological study carried out by the Algarve Biomedical Center and the Champalimaud Foundation in the municipality of Loulé, confirms that contact with the virus is much higher than the number of cases detected by diagnostic tests.

In this project, the researchers chose to combine serological screening (ELISA technique and rapid detection kits for IgM and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies) with viral diagnostic tests (qRT-PCR) to obtain maximum information, in a short time.

Of the 1235 professionals at risk tested, only 0.2% knew they had been infected with the new coronavirus, however, 2.8% of this population had contact with the virus and developed antibodies in recent months, which corresponds to a rate of 14 times higher infection than detected by diagnostic tests used alone.

In addition, the quantification of antibodies that each individual has has a much lower cost compared to diagnostic laboratory tests, which makes serological tests an efficient strategy for the prevention of COVID-19 and the resumption of activities in the country .

According to the Assistant Secretary of State and Health, Jamila Madeira, «being a pilot project, it is a very interesting path. Because it allows us to carry out a first screening, in a more economically efficient way. It is a path that uses resources that are more available, commonly used, and only in more concrete situations does it resort to diagnostic tests. At the outset, this makes sense to us».