Testing for antibodies to understand COVID-19 exposure and immunity
Official title: SARS-CoV-2 Serological Antibody Testing for Disease Surveillance and Clinical Use
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11159160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for people aged 7 and up to help us learn more about how many folks in our community have been exposed to COVID-19 and developed antibodies, even if they didn't show any symptoms, so we can better understand immunity over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $302,796 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA260584-02S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals aged 7 years and older who are members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or those outside the age range of 7 years and older may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 to better understand COVID-19 exposure and immunity in the community. It aims to establish a large-scale cohort of individuals aged 7 years and older from Kaiser Permanente Northern California to assess the prevalence and incidence of antibodies over time. Participants will undergo serological testing to identify those who have been exposed to the virus, including asymptomatic cases, which are often missed by traditional PCR testing. The study will also analyze demographic, behavioral, and clinical data to provide a comprehensive view of the antibody response in the population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of COVID-19 immunity and inform public health strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that serological testing can effectively identify COVID-19 exposure and has been used successfully in similar epidemiological studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skarbinski, Jacek — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Skarbinski, Jacek
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.