Survey on the Current Status of Interpretative Reporting for Viral and Bacterial Antigen and Antibody Test Results in Korea

Background: This study aimed to contribute to the standardization of interpretative reporting for immunological tests of infectious diseases frequently performed in Korean clinical immunology laboratories by surveying and analyzing the reporting formats and interpretation practices.Methods: From the clinical laboratories, 34 items involving viral and bacterial antigen and antibody tests were selected.An online survey was conducted from February 15 to March 30, 2024, targeting clinical pathologists who are members of the Korean Society of Diagnostic Immunology.Results: Responses from 38 clinical laboratories were received and analyzed.Interpretative reporting was found in an average of 38.1% (0-86.8%) of institutions across all items.In the order of frequency, all interpretative reporting contents included an explanation of clinical significance (55.3%), comprehensive interpretation in conjunction with related tests results (48.6%), follow-up testing recommendations (24.1%), additional testing recommendations (23.5%), consideration of causes of false positives or negatives (23.0%), retesting performed (21.6%), testing method information (9.8%), optimal timing for follow-up tests (9.3%), and confirmation by another complementary method (1.2%).Conclusions: A survey on interpretative reports for viral and bacterial antigen and antibody tests showed variation in the implementation rates and content by analyte and laboratory.Investigation of clinicians' preferences and standardization of these interpretative reports will help support medical decision-making.