A new HSE study aims to provide a national estimate of infection of Covid-19 in the population.
It'll ask over 5,000 people in Dublin and Sligo to take part and will measure their exposure to the virus using antibody blood tests. Dublin and Sligo have been selected as sample locations as they represent areas of the country with higher and lower known levels of infection respectively.
The results of the samples of participants in both locations will provide an overall national estimate of infection in Ireland.
The plan is to then repeat the antibody research in other areas of the country over the coming year.
Those who agree to take part in the study will be asked to complete a short survey by phone. They will then be invited to provide a blood sample to test for antibodies.
Participants will be provided with their individual results and those who are found to have antibodies for COVID-19 will be asked to take part in a follow-up study.
Dr Lorraine Doherty, HSE National Clinical Director for Health Protection said: “Seroprevalence studies are really important to help us understand the true level of infection in the population. When the results are available, we will have valuable information on the level of infection by age group and also the extent of asymptomatic infection, informing our national public health responses to COVID-19.”
Results are expected in late August.
