Rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in oral fluids

Current commercially available methods for reliably detecting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 remain expensive and inaccessible due to the need for whole blood collection by highly trained phlebotomists using personal protective equipment (PPE). We evaluated an antibody detection approach utilizing the OraSure® Technologies’ Oral Antibody Collection Device (OACD) and their proprietary SARS-CoV-2 total antibody detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that the OraSure® test for total antibody detection in oral fluid had comparable sensitivity and specificity to serum-based ELISAs while presenting a more affordable and accessible system with the potential for self-collection.