Glossary

incidence

The number of new cases of a disease arising in a given period, usually a year, expressed as a proportion of the population at risk (the incidence rate).

N-antibodies

antibodies against the SARS-CoV2 nucleocapsid.

plasma

The non-cellular fluid component of blood containing soluble molecules, including proteins.

prevalence

The proportion of the population with a particular infection or disease at a particular point in time, or during a given period.

seroconversion

The appearance of specific antibodies in the blood serum as a result of infection or vaccination.

serology

The study of antigens and antibodies in patients’ sera.

seroprevalence

The proportion of a population which have antibodies against a particular infection at a defined time point.

serum

(Plural, sera.) The part of the blood left behind after cells, platelets and fibrinogen have all been removed, usually by clotting.