Detection of Antibody versus Antigen, Optimal Option of Different Serological Assays Based Tests for COVID-19 Diagnosis: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: In this study, the diagnostic efficacy of antigen test and antibody test were assessed. Additionally, the difference of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were compared concerning efficacy of antibody test versus antigen test for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. METHODS: Online databases were searched for full-text publications and STATA software was used for data pooling and analysis before Sep 1st, 2022. Forrest plot was used to show the pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio. Combined receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to show the area of under curve of complex data. RESULTS: Overall, 25 studies were included. The sensitivity (0.68, 95% CI: 0.53–0.80) and specificity (0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99) in antibody or antigen was calculated. The time point of test lead to heterogeneity. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–0.99), and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 299.54 (95% CI: 135.61–661.64). Subgroup analysis indicated antibody test with sensitivity (0.59, 95% CI: 0.44–0.73) and specificity (0.98, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99) and antigen test with sensitivity of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.53–0.91) and specificity of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98–1.00). Higher AUC and DOR were proved in antigen test. CONCLUSION: The present study compared the efficacy of antibody test versus antigen test for COVID-19 diagnosis. Better diagnostic efficacy, lower heterogeneity, and less publication bias of rapid antigen testing was suggested in this study. This study would help us to make better strategy about choosing rapid and reliable testing method in diagnosis of the COVID-19 disease.