Simplified and highly sensitive serological testing for COVID-19 in rural regions of Sweden
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Xerum AB - Aktiebolaget Grundstenen (under ändring till Xerum AB) |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 964 460 |
| Project duration | September 2020 - May 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Collaborative projects for research and innovation associated to the corona pandemic |
| Call | Pre-studies for innovation projects in the health area that prevent future pandemics |
Important results from the project
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The project´s specific objective was to verify feasibility and commercialization potential for large-scale, high-quality serological testing for COVID-19 via self-testing without significantly burdening the regional clinical laboratory. The aim was to develop a system for serology that can bridge geographical distances in sparsely populated areas.
Expected long term effects
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** We have developed large-scale serology that is independent of geographical distances in combination with high-quality analysis of antibody responses to COVID-19. Of all tests sent out, 91% returned to the laboratory and 96% were performed correctly. The number of positive test results increased at a similar rate as COVID-19 diagnosed during 13 weeks in Region Västerbotten. Further analysis showed that our strategy increased the geographical spread and sampling in rural regions increased by about 70% compared with classical venous sampling.
Approach and implementation
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** In this project, Region Västerbotten identified residents in need of serological analysis for SARS-CoV-2 S-specifika antibodies. Xerum AB assisted with the development of a distance sampling strategy in combination with high-quality testing, which resulted in sample cassettes being sent out to said individuals for sampling. These cassettes were then returned and analyzed via the method developed by Xerum for the purpose. Our final analysis of the project was that both feasibility and commercialization potential could be verified.