Simulated RBC antibody identification training panels created using SARS-CoV-2 kodecytes and immune plasma

Abstract

Background: Training is essential to develop and maintain skills required to be a competent serologist, yet samples required to achieve this are often difficult to obtain. We evaluated the feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 peptide modified RBCs (1144-kodecytes) to develop simulated antibody screening and identification panels of reagent RBCs suitable for practical training, recognition, and grading of serologic reactions. Study Design and Methods: RBCs from a single donor were modified into kodecytes using Kode Technology function-spacer-lipid constructs bearing a short SARS-CoV-2 peptide. Kodecytes and unmodified cells were then arranged in patterns representative of RBC antibody profiles as simulated antibody screening and identification reagent cell panels (SASID), and then tested against immune donor plasma samples containing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Manual tube and two different gel card serologic platforms were evaluated by routine techniques. SASID exemplars were created for antibodies including D, Cw, f (ce), Jka (strong, weak, dosing), mixtures of D + E, Jka + K, Fya + E, high and low frequency antibodies and a warm IgG autoantibody. Results: Kodecytes (positive reactions) and unmodified cells (negative) when arranged and tested in appropriate patterns in SASID panels were able to mimic IgG antibody reactions, and were capable of measuring both accuracy and precision in reaction grading. Conclusions: Kodecytes can be used to rapidly create in-house simulated yet realistic antibody screening and identification panels suitable for large scale training in the recognition and grading of serologic reactions.