National Minority Quality Forum Unveils Key Findings on COVID-19 Antibody Test Accuracy Across Diverse Communities

National Study proves that despite concerns, antibody tests for COVID-19 are equally accurate for all communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 27, 2024) — In a landmark effort to ensure equitable healthcare The National Minority Quality Forum, Center for Clinical and Social Research (CCSR) has announced the recent publication of the results from the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Assay Performance Minority & Rural Coronavirus Insights Study (MRCIS) in the Journal of Applied Laboratory Management. MRCIS, a five-year pivotal study launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, focuses on the viral disease in minority and rural communities.

The MRCIS study engaged over 3,200 participants from five Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the country (i.e.  Florida, California, Illinois, Ohio, and Louisiana). This makes it the largest multi-site, community-based epidemiologic investigation on clinical and social determinants of health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in minority and rural communities in the United States. Study participants completed a baseline survey, and received at no cost a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antibody test to assess COVID-19 infection status, as well as other laboratory tests. Blood samples were shipped and stored at a biobank which will allow for future investigations. 

The recently published findings from the MRCIS study clearly demonstrate that despite concerns and mistrust from certain communities, antibody tests for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection do not discriminate by race/ethnicity and age. 

“Our study not only reaffirms the reliability of COVID-19 antibody tests across diverse populations but also highlights the importance of equitable access to healthcare resources. These findings empower us to ensure that every individual, irrespective of their background, receives accurate and effective clinical testing. This is a step forward in our journey towards health equity and in building a healthcare system that serves all with integrity and compassion,” says Dr. Salvatore Alesci, NMQF Senior Vice President of CCSR.

Key Takeaways in theAnti-SARS-COV-2 Report

• Regardless of the antibody test used, results were statistically the same
• There were no confounding factors across race, age or gender 
• People can rest assured that COVID-19 antibody tests are accurate for them, regardless of their age, race or gender

The CCSR team continues to analyze data from the MRCIS study to further examine differences in COVID-19 experience among minoritized communities and the general population and its impact. Ongoing studies include:

• Comparison of the racial and ethnic differences in vitamin D levels and COVID-19 infections in study participants
• Identification of racial and ethnic differences in the biomarkers of post COVID-19 conditions

The full paper can be viewed on the Journal of Applied Laboratory Management website here: https://academic.oup.com/jalm/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jalm/jfad126/7612361?redirectedFrom=fulltext. View factsheet here. To learn more about the MRCIS study, please contact Dr. Makella Coundray, PhD, MPH, and Dr. Derrick Forney, Ph.D., MPH, Co-Leads of the MRCIS study and visit nmqf-ccsr.org.   

About the National Minority Quality Forum

Founded in 1998, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a United States-based, health care research, education and advocacy organization whose mission is to reduce patient risk and advance health equity. NMQF utilizes data and research to support and mobilize healthcare organizations, leaders, policymakers, and patients in advocating for optimal care for every individual, especially those in minoritized communities. For more information, please visit http://www.nmqf.org.