Comparison of Igm/Igg Antibody Tests in Severe COVID Infections and Standard rtPCR Diagnostic Testing in The Hospital for Active Treatment “Dr. Atanas Dafovski”, Kardzhali

We present the results from ELISA IgG/IgM tests vs rtPCR diagnostic testing of individuals both with and without clinical symptoms, travel arrangements and cross-border movement, in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic during the entire 2021. rtPCR test results were a prerequisite for any planned trip, requirement for diagnosis and protocol treatment. The collected data are cumulative and the statistics might become helpful to each individual in deciding on a particular line of action. Our Molecular Diagnostics Unit is licensed within the territory of Bulgaria. Our methods present strict protocols from the guidelines of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, the kits used were all CE, the overall concept in sync with the global regulations per CDC and the WHO. The cumulated results for each month show high correlation between the levels of IgM and the number of patients testing positive for COVID with the rtPCR. We present retrospective data of utmost importance for the regions near border crossing point in a situation of pandemic with involvement of local and international authorities. Determining the titer of Covid antibodies provides important information with regard to vaccination and compare levels of titers of acute elevated IgM titers in patients with severe COVID-19 with positive PCR results in an attempt to implement more ELISA testing as a significant, informative and important part of establishing a patient's status, given the easier access to rapid tests when triaging patients for admission to hospital and with the need for emergency resuscitation.