Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance by WHO Investigation protocol for COVID-19 | Page 3

Protocol summary
Population-based age-stratified seroepidemiological investigation protocol for COVID-19 virus
infection
Study population
Age-stratified convenience sample from general population
Potential output and analysis
Estimates of:
• Extent of age-specific infection
• Cumulative incidence of infection
• Infection attack rates
• Fraction of asymptomatic infection
• Case fatality ratio
Study design
Study duration
Minimum information and
specimens to be obtained from
participants
Prospective population-based convenience sample from the
general population, stratified by age
The investigation can be conducted as a cross-sectional
investigation, or can include serial sampling as a prospective
cohort study
Data collection: Epidemiological data including: clinical
symptoms
Specimens: Serum samples to inform seroepidemiological
inferences
WHO, in collaboration with technical partners, has developed a series of enhanced surveillance
protocols, that are harmonized to help provide detailed insight into the epidemiological
characteristics of COVID-19. Other COVID-19 investigations and studies protocols currently available
include:
•
Household transmission investigation protocol for COVID-19 virus infection
•
Protocol for assessment of potential risk factors for COVID-19 infection among health care
workers in a health care setting
•
Surface sampling of COVID-19 virus: A practical “how to” protocol for health care and public
health professionals
All WHO protocols for COVID-19 are available on the WHO website together with the technical
guidance documents. This currently includes case definitions, laboratory guidance, infection
prevention and control and travel advice.
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