AJIM2202 - CME/CMLE - COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines May Cause False Reactivity in Some Serologic Laboratory Tests, Including Rapid Plasma Reagin Test-COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines May Cause False Reactivity in Some Serologic Laboratory Tests, Including Rapid Plasma Reagin Test

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines May Cause False Reactivity in Some Serologic Laboratory Tests, Including Rapid Plasma Reagin Test

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Pdf Summary

A recent study examined the potential for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to cause false reactivity in serologic tests. The pilot study followed 38 participants who received either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. While most tests showed no change in reactivity, some participants exhibited false reactivity in assays such as Epstein-Barr virus immunoglobulin G, measles IgG, and rubella immunoglobulin M. The study observed false reactivity in rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests, particularly in participants who received the Moderna vaccine. Results suggest that serologic assays with unusual results post-vaccination should be repeated, as false reactivity effects could persist for over 5 months. Notably, the Bio-Rad RPR assay was more sensitive to false reactivity compared to other RPR tests. The study highlights the need for larger studies to determine the frequency and duration of false reactivity following COVID-19 vaccination. The study also points out challenges in interpreting syphilis testing results in patients vaccinated against COVID-19. Recommendations include repeating tests in case of unexpected results and confirming RPR tests with manual methods in cases of suspected false reactivity. Larger cohorts are needed to understand the incidence and duration of false reactivity in commonly used serologic tests following COVID-19 vaccination.

Keywords

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines

serologic tests

Moderna vaccine

Pfizer vaccine

false reactivity

Epstein-Barr virus

measles IgG

rubella immunoglobulin M

rapid plasma reagin tests

Bio-Rad RPR assay