Why Antibody Test for COVID-19?
A COVID-19 antibody test will tell you whether the person testing has already experienced the virus. The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused enormous disruption to everybody’s lives and put businesses and the economy under unprecedented pressure. Now it’s time to start the recovery and although there is no one single solution, BioSure is proud to offer a range of testing options, giving you the tools to move forward with confidence.
Why test for antibodies?
Antibodies are produced as part of the body’s natural immune response and are specific to the virus it is fighting. Testing for antibodies is the only way to know if you or your staff/students/customers have previously had COVID-19 infection.
There is still limited information about immunity and how long that lasts for. During our own product validation processes we saw a gradual decline in the number of antibodies present in samples from patients more than 8 weeks after symptoms and this is now being confirmed by multiple agencies including Kings College London. This is why repeat and regular testing is critical.
In advance of the autumn cold and flu season, we have the opportunity to set the base-line and understand our infection levels on both micro and macro levels, so as many risks as possible can be planned for and mitigated before the annual sore throats and sneezing begins. Once these general infections commence it will then be vital to antibody test to know if the illness was due to COVID-19 or a more common virus.
How to access testing?
At the moment, despite the BioSURE COVID-19 Antibody Self Test meeting and exceeding the MHRA criteria, it is currently not possible to supply into the UK as the perceived high levels of risk are still being assessed and addressed. Our self-test is available for procurement in many countries outside of the UK, EU and USA.
In the interim, we have partnered with national Occupational Health companies who are able to cost-effectively deliver testing services to companies or care homes within their own settings. The scheme works as a ‘test site pop-up’ with little disruption, efficient testing and accurate results given with minutes. All results can be captured and held securely so that an accurate picture of the person’s antibody response can be built up over a period of time.
This ‘test site pop-up’ is also highly suitable for community organisations, schools and universities as students return.
Please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements and how we can support you with training, delivery or help prepare your longer term plans.