Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
A Rapid, Multiplex Dual Reporter IgG and IgM SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Assay for a Multiplexed Bead-Based Flow Analysis System
Published on: April 6, 2021
Performance Evaluation of Lateral Flow Assays for Coronavirus Disease-19 Serology
Lucy Ochola1, Paul Ogongo2, Samuel Mungai3
1Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, PO Box 24481, Nairobi 00502, Kenya.
Insights
Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are crucial for monitoring COVID-19 transmission and immunity. This review evaluates their accuracy and implementation for pandemic control, especially in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to widespread health and economic challenges.
- Monitoring viral transmission and antibody longevity is essential for pandemic control.
- Serologic assays are vital for assessing population immunity after infection or vaccination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of serologic lateral flow assays (LFAs) in monitoring COVID-19.
- To discuss the evaluation of LFA accuracy and suitability for various applications.
- To explore implementation opportunities for LFAs in pandemic surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on serologic lateral flow assays for SARS-CoV-2.
- Discussion of criteria for evaluating LFA performance characteristics.
- Analysis of LFA applications in population surveillance and individual testing.
Main Results:
- LFAs offer affordable and scalable solutions for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
- These assays are valuable for tracking seroprevalence and understanding herd immunity.
- LFAs are particularly important for monitoring immunity durability in diverse settings.
Conclusions:
- Serologic LFAs are critical tools for managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- Accurate evaluation and strategic implementation of LFAs can inform public health strategies.
- LFAs support monitoring of natural and vaccine-induced immunity, crucial for long-term control.
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has undoubtedly resulted in significant morbidities, mortalities, and economic disruptions across the globe. Affordable and scalable tools to monitor the transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the longevity of induced antibodies will be paramount to monitor and control the pandemic as multiple waves continue to rage in many countries. Serologic assays detect humoral responses to the virus, to determine seroprevalence in target populations, or induction of antibodies at the individual level following either natural infection or vaccination. With multiple vaccines rolling out globally, serologic assays to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies will be important tools to monitor the development of herd immunity. To address this need, serologic lateral flow assays (LFAs), which can be easily implemented for both population surveillance and home use, will be vital to monitor the evolution of the pandemic and inform containment measures. Such assays are particularly important for monitoring the transmission dynamics and durability of immunity generated by natural infections and vaccination, particularly in resource-limited settings. In this review, we discuss considerations for evaluating the accuracy of these LFAs, their suitability for different use cases, and implementation opportunities.
