Game-changing rapid antigen tests could revolutionise the battle against Covid-19 in Ireland, it has been revealed.
Xpress Health, based in Leopardstown in South Dublin, have launched the tests that can give results in 15 minutes.
The tests, which still need to be administered by a healthcare professional, are nasopharyngeal swab tests and cost just €12.50 each.
The news comes as the EU has made a shift towards these rapid checks in order to help countries avoid strict lockdowns.
It has called on all 27 Member States to submit national strategies on testing by the middle of this month.
The Commission is also using €100million under the Emergency Support Instrument to help countries to buy and deliver rapid antigen tests.
Xpress Health’s Ian Morgan told the Irish Mirror: “It looks likely that rapid antigen testing will be rolled out soon.
“We’re in lockdown at the minute because of capacity and the labs are being kept to the collar in terms of testing numbers.
“These tests would completely change that.
"It would help us with Living with Covid plan."
Speaking last week, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: “The Covid-19 situation is very serious. We must step up our EU response.
“We are launching additional measures in our fight against the virus.”
