A Valleys diagnostics firm has won an order for one million new rapid Covid-19 antibody tests, giving results in just 20 minutes, from the UK Government.
Crumlin-based BB Solutions, as part of the UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC) has signed a deal with the Westminster government Health Minister Lord Bethell has comfirmed.
The home antibody tests will be rolled out as part of UK Government’s Covid-19 surveillance studies to help build a picture of how the virus has spread, as well as developing a deeper understanding of how antibodies work.
The AbC-19 Rapid test uses a small drop of blood from a finger-prick, and shows results in 20 minutes, without the need for a patient sample to be sent to a laboratory.
Dr Mario Gualano, chief executive of BBI Solutions, said: “I am delighted that the UK-RTC has now received its first contract from the UK Government for our Covid-19 lateral flow antibody test.
“We believe that the AbC-19 Rapid test has the immediate opportunity to allow the UK to build a swift and clear picture of how the virus has spread throughout the population. It also has the potential to be deployed in conjunction with vaccine candidates to help assess initial immune responses.”
As well as BBI, the UK-RTC also consists of Abingdon Health, BBI Group, CIGA Healthcare and Omega Diagnostics.
The antibody test has been evaluated by Public Health England.
Lord Bethell said: "Home testing is a powerful tool in understanding the disease and fighting its spread. So we are thrilled by the RTC product, both for Britain and export markets around the world."
The consortium will draw on BBI Solutions’ rapid test development and expertise, as well as its wider manufacturing capabilities, primarily at its headquarters at Crumlin and its site in Edinburgh.
BBI Solutions is also working closely with healthcare providers to optimise its smartphone diagnostic reader to be used in conjunction with the test. BBI’s patented Novarum technology will guide users at home through performing a test before securely providing the results with their healthcare provider.
