Persistence of <scp>SARS‐CoV</scp>‐2 nasopharyngeal swab <scp>PCR</scp> positivity in <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 convalescent plasma donors

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid is detectable long after the resolution of symptoms in a significant percentage of previously diagnosed individuals, which is important to consider when interpreting PCR swab results. Persistence of PCR positivity does not correlate with antibody strength or symptoms of COVID-19. If anti-spike antibody is used to assess CP potency, individuals who suffered severe COVID-19 disease symptoms may represent better donors.