Community testing of SARS-CoV-2 protein markers
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan - School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 970 714 |
| Project duration | November 2020 - September 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The project aims to screen for protein markers related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population by using new technology for home sampling of blood. The goal has been to validate protein marker panels on home-acquired microsamples and to identify protein markers that show a history of infection by SARS-CoV-2.
Expected long term effects
Based on 10 µl dried blood spot samples from a total of 476 people, we have mapped the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and used Olink Explore to identify 1500 proteins in the blood sample. We have also identified a handful of proteins that link to the recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. We can therefore state that Olink Explore can be used in combination with home sampling, which opens up opportunities for other screening studies in populations with minimal impact on participants and without burdening the general healthcare system.
Approach and implementation
In May 2021, we sent out test kits to 2,000 randomly selected persons in Stockholm and Gothenburg. In samples recieved, we examined antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and compiled measured data against self-reported data. In 144 samples we have compared serostatus with different protein expressions where we used three different Olink panels and measured 272 proteins in each sample. I another 80 samples we have used Olink Explore, measuring 1500 proteins in one sample. This verifies that the method can be used in various screening studies in the population to e.g. identify other diseases.