A new Covid-19 antibody test that’s better than those currently available has been developed by researchers at a Scots university.
Serology tests detect if a person has previously had the virus and are important tools in tracing its spread.
However, some existing antibody tests are not suited to rapid mass deployment as they can be inaccurate and also detect other coronaviruses including some versions of the common cold.
In response to the Chief Scientist Office’s rapid research funding, Aberdeen University, in collaboration with Vertebrate Antibodies and NHS Grampian, has developed a test that has shown high levels of accuracy in smaller trials.
The next step is to start a trial on a larger cohort.
If approved, the test could be used for mass screening of NHS staff and key workers as well as identifying high-risk patients or carriers of the virus.
It would also provide data on the prevalence of emerging mutant Covid-19 strains and herd immunity.
The test could also be used to evaluate the efficiency of the vaccination programme and how long the vaccine provides protection.
It could also differentiate between protection resulting from vaccination or recovery from infection.
Professor Mirela Delibegovic, who led the team, said: “It is clear that a better test was required.
“Our prototype has been designed in line with the gold standard requirements and in our trial has proven more accurate while giving more useful information.
“The next step is a wider-scale trial to test suitability for use on a much bigger scale.”
