Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Assessment of Serological Techniques for Screening Patients Regarding COVID-19-COVID-SER

The COVID-SER study is designed to check how effective different blood tests are at detecting past COVID-19 infections. It focuses on adult healthcare workers who have already tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers will collect blood samples from these individuals to compare the results of various serological tests. The aim is to understand which tests are best for identifying people who have previously had the virus, which is important for public health. Participants will be followed for a total of three years to see how these antibody levels change over time. This research will help healthcare providers choose the most accurate tests for screening patients.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

550

Start

10 Apr 2020

Estimated completion

10 Oct 2026

CoV2 Positive Caregivers

What is this study about?

The COVID-SER study is looking into how well different blood tests can find out if someone has had COVID-19 in the past. These tests are sometimes called 'serological tests' or 'antibody tests.' When your body fights off an infection, it makes special proteins called antibodies. These antibodies can stay in your blood for a while, showing that you've been exposed to the virus before.

In this study, researchers want to see which of the available antibody tests are the most accurate and reliable. They are focusing on healthcare workers who have already tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. By collecting blood samples from these individuals and testing them with various methods, the study aims to compare the results and determine the best ways to screen people for past COVID-19 infection.

Understanding which tests work best is really important. It helps doctors and public health experts make good decisions about who has been infected and potentially has some protection. This study will follow participants for quite a long time – three years – to also see how antibody levels might change over time, which gives a bigger picture of how our bodies react to the virus.

Key takeaways

This study checks how well COVID-19 antibody blood tests work.
It's for adult healthcare workers who already have COVID-19 antibodies.
Participation involves giving blood samples over three years.
The goal is to improve how we screen for past COVID-19 infections.
There are no new treatments involved; it's purely for research on tests.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants need to be adults, aged 18 or older. They must also be healthcare workers who have already been checked for COVID-19 antibodies during their work health check-ups and found to have them in their blood. This means they've likely been exposed to COVID-19 before.

It's also important that participants are part of a social security system, which is standard for most people living and working in the UK.

However, there are some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you would not be able to take part in this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you a healthcare worker?
Have you tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies in a work health check?
Are you able to agree to follow-up visits for three years?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first need to give your written permission (consent) after understanding everything involved. The main thing you'll be doing is having blood samples taken for serological tests. These are simple blood tests to look for COVID-19 antibodies.

The study involves several check-ups. After you join, you'll have follow-up visits every six months for the first two years. Then, there will be a final visit at the 36-month (three-year) mark. During these visits, more blood samples will be taken. There are no medications or special treatments given as part of this study; it's purely about testing your blood.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to important knowledge about COVID-19 antibody tests, which could help improve public health strategies. You might also gain a clearer understanding of your own antibody status. The main risk involved is the minor discomfort or bruising from blood draws, which is generally very safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Lyon Sud,Sainte Eugénie bat 4M,5, Chemin du Grand Revoyet
Verified postcode
Pierre-Bénite, France

Common questions

What exactly is a 'serological test'?

A serological test is a type of blood test that looks for antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are what your body makes to fight off infections, like COVID-19.

Why are healthcare workers being asked to join?

Healthcare workers are often exposed to viruses, and many have already had antibody tests through their jobs, making them a good group for this study.

Will I get results from my blood tests?

The study's goal is to evaluate different tests, but specific information on individual result sharing would be discussed with the study team.

How long will I have to be in the study?

You would be in the study for a total of three years, with regular follow-up visits for blood tests.

Is this study giving out new treatments for COVID-19?

No, this study is not about new treatments. It's only looking at how well different blood tests work to find COVID-19 antibodies.