Performance Ranking of Diagnostic SARS-CoV2 IgG Antibody Tests by Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Theory

Abstract

Many different serological tests have been developed to support healthcare workers to identify individuals who may have developed an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The study aimed to evaluate the test performances of the FDA EUA Authorized SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody tests that are currently being used in coronavirus disease 2019 management. The study involved 48 SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody tests. Different criteria of rapid diagnostic tests, plate-based tests, and immunoassay-based tests were evaluated by using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) theory. While comparing the antibody tests, main criteria such as analytic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, specimen type, test technique, antigen target, time to first result, time of sampling days post infection, reagent storage conditions, practicability, etc. were assessed and used for determining the ranking of tests. The results showed that, Siemens ADVIA Centaur was the most representative of expected test performance, followed by QUANTA Flash and Siemens Dimension Vista S, while EUROIMMUN was the least favorable one. Fuzzy PROMETHEE technique can be applied in aiding decision-makers in choosing the right antibody test for the management of COVID-19.