8.8 percent of the 6,776 people tested have produced antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 – the percentage is not representative

On May 27, CeGaT and Tübingen’s Mayor Boris Palmer presented the results of the first two weeks of testing. In the period from May 11 to May 22 (9 days), 6,776 people have been tested. In 596 of them (8.8 percent), antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 have been detected. 

Managing director and co-founder Dr. Dirk Biskup explains the high proportion of positive test results: “As expected, especially people suspecting a past infection did the test- for example in case of unclear symptoms or travels to high risk areas. They want clarity about whether they have had COVID-19 or not. For this reason, the proportion of people with SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies determined by us cannot be extrapolated to the total population. The 8.8 percent is not representative of the immune status at the local, regional, or national level.”

Most of the people tested are from Tübingen and its surrounding. In 184 (10.4 percent) of the 1,774 tested persons living in Tübingen, antibodies have been detected – a clear difference to the 530 cases of confirmed diseases (0.6 percent of Tübingen’s population). Based on this, it can be concluded that the number of unreported COVID-19 cases in Tübingen does not exceed a factor of 17 (= 10.4 / 0.6).

Information on antibody status is crucial for decision-making

Dr. Dirk Biskup sees the antibody test as an essential tool for better understanding and managing the pandemic: “It was important for us to offer a high-quality test that is inexpensive and easily accessible to all people. It is important for individuals to know whether they were infected with the coronavirus or not”.

About CeGaT GmbH

CeGaT GmbH is a world leader in gene analyses for a wide range of medical, research, and pharmaceutical applications.

The company, founded in Tübingen, Germany, in 2009, combines the latest sequencing technology with its many years of medical expertise – dedicated to identifying the genetic cause of disease and supporting patient care. For research and the pharmaceutical industry, CeGaT offers a broad portfolio of sequencing services and tumor analyses. CeGaT generates the data basis for clinical studies and medical innovations, driving science forward with own findings. The owner-managed company stands for independence, an extensive personal customer service, and premium quality. CeGaT’s laboratory is accredited according to CAP/CLIA and DIN EN ISO 15189, hence meeting the highest international standards. To keep the responsibility for the whole project, and to maintain the best results, CeGaT carries out all steps in-house and under scientific supervision.