A Nantwich firm which specialises in genetics says it has created and launched a rapid COVID-19 antibody test.
James Price, founder and CEO of Everything Genetic, says the test will help identify healthcare and key workers who have been infected by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 that causes COVID-19 disease.
Everything Genetic, which has offices in Nantwich, says it is an “Antibody Instant Test Cassette” that detects late marker “IgG antibodies” in human finger-prick blood samples.
James Price said: “The launch of our antibody instant test is an exciting development for Everything Genetic in our efforts to support the UK’s national response to this global pandemic.
“Recent studies show a high percentage of people show no clinical symptoms of the virus, making testing vitally important.
“The CE marked test can be used for the rapid testing of the workforce to identify those who have been infected by the virus, symptomatic and asymptomatic, with results in less than 10 minutes.”
He added that Everything Genetic is currently prioritising access to the test to healthcare and key worker communities across the UK.
The company has partnered with a leading provider of out-of-hospital healthcare for the distribution of rapid test kits for the screening of its employees.
It is ideally suited for testing high-risk groups – including healthcare workers, teachers, food supply workers and those working in transport and logistics – who might already have developed some immunity and can continue and/or return to work.
James added: “In addition to our plans to make this antibody test available to the wider public in the near future, we will also be very shortly be announcing the launch of a laboratory-based COVID-19 testing service in collaboration with Innermost Healthcare.
“This test will serve as a vital companion test for our portfolio of diagnostic genetic testing services to support the clinical management of cancer patients, as well as being available for general purchase.”
(Licence free image for display only, Eden, Janine and Jim)
