A new antibody test to check whether someone has coronavirus has been certified for use across Europe.
Millions of the laboratory-based lab tests, which reportedly have a 99 per cent accuracy, have been shipped across the continent and will be ready for use next month, it's said.
The test works by identifying the IgG protein the body produces when it has been infected by Covid-19. It can remain in the body for months and possibly years, according to reports.
Abbott, the global diagnostics specialists behind the kits, says the breakthrough will also help identify people who have had the coronavirus infection and have developed immunity.
They then can return to work and could be crucial for NHS workers and people in other key roles.
Mike Clayton, managing director of Abbott’s Northern Europe diagnostics division, said: “Abbott has been focused on bringing Covid-19 tests to market as quickly as possible to help address this pandemic.
“We are proud to be able to provide our antibody tests immediately as they will help understand who has had the virus, leading to greater confidence as we get back to living life.
"We are collaborating with the NHS, public health bodies and private laboratories across the UK to enable this test to be used here."
The government is likely to consider how widespread testing is for both infected and recovered coronavirus patients when it eases the UK out of the lockdown.
But Abbott, which has a UK base in Maidenhead, Berkshire, is also significantly scaling up its manufacturing for antibody testing for most European nations.
It will develop testing for detection of the antibody, IgM, in the near future to expand the range of possible antibody tests.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, told the Downing Street press conference on Tuesday that people over 65 and their families would now be eligible for testing, as well as people who leave their homes to work who have symptoms.
