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Second study phase of the nationwide antibody study has begun

The HZI is retesting volunteers for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Reutlingen

Scientific data suggests that many COVID-19 cases are not recorded due to mild and asymptomatic courses of infection. It is therefore not possible to reliably estimate the number of people who have actually been infected or are still infected with SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, there is not yet sufficient data on how many people in Germany have already been infected and thus built up a presumed immunity to SARS-CoV-2. However, this data plays an important role in assessing and forecasting the further course of the pandemic. With this in mind, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig is conducting a nationwide project in the district of Reutlingen. The project aims to improve the knowledge about the actual spread of infections with SARS-CoV-2 and the corresponding immunity in different population groups in Germany over time.

After completion of the first study phase at the end of July 2020, the second part of the study has now begun in the car park of the old post office in Reutlingen. Participants taking part in the second round are previously positive and borderline cases from the first study phase as well as other test persons randomly selected by the residents' registration offices. All in all, in the period up to 10 November 2020, a total of around 3000 people will be tested. In the district of Reutlingen, Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe take care of the testing. Interim results from the first study phase are not yet available.

The subjects of the study are selected and invited at random. Voluntary participation without prior invitation is unfortunately not possible in order to ensure the representativeness of the study.

The Press Release of the district admistration Reutlingen

More information about the study you can find in the digital press kit of the study.