Private antibody test

[Murray]

I see some private companies are offering antibody tests for corona now

https://www.forthwithlife.co.uk/coronavirus-antibody-test/

https://www.zavamed.com/uk/coronavirus-service.html

Probably other companies as well

They're using the Abbott test and do it with a finger prick blood sample you take at home and post back

With discounts you can get it for £67 from Zavamed with next day delivery - 15% off code CTDB15

I'm sure there's probably discounts for Forth too

Might give you some peace of mind if you're vulnerable or caring for someone vulnerable, or it might not

 

[bluerock]

Well I've just ordered the test from Zavamed so I'll see what happens.

 

[Murray]

The mhra have asked private companies to pause their antibody testing

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...ing-samples-Covid-19-home-antibody-tests.html

 

[Murray]

Apparently, the test is only tested for accuracy and government approved when taking blood directly from a vein.

Taking it from a finger prick with these tests, makes the test less reliable, or so they say.

I don't see why you would need venous blood instead of capillary to test for an antibody as long as you provide enough, but I'm not a medical professional so who knows

 

[mally]

anybody had their results back yet?#

 

[diablo]

I don't see why you would need venous blood instead of capillary to test for an antibody as long as you provide enough, but I'm not a medical professional so who knows

Finger prick tests are more susceptible to contamination because of blood contact with skin.

 

[bluerock]

anybody had their results back yet?#

I had mine back and was negative. Was gutted really.

There is no blood contact with skin. The drops go straight in the sample tube and you do have to supply quite a bit. Its not just 2/3 drops.

 

[diablo]

I had mine back and was negative. Was gutted really.

There is no blood contact with skin. The drops go straight in the sample tube and you do have to supply quite a bit. Its not just 2/3 drops.

The drops of blood form on your skin

 

[bluerock]

The drops of blood form on your skin

They obviously do but the contact is minimal. The first 2 drops are not used as well.

 

[Murray]

Finger prick tests are more susceptible to contamination because of blood contact with skin.

Can a lab tell if it's been contaminated?

 

[JMI]

I think it could be worth a punt, but you have to give a far amount of blood (not just 2 little droplets) and nothings to say you will extract the blood correctly, will it arrive in the required timeframe to the lab in perfect condition? And then we have the lab.. do we really know who's doing the test, are the conditions completely optimal, are they really qualified, are you going to get a "Friday afternoon job" because they rushed it and just wanted to go out in the sunshine. You going to trust all this is done properly for £60..

 

[diablo]

Approved COVID-19 antibody test 'not intended for home use', manufacturer warns

https://www.pharmaceutical-journal....-home-use-manufacturer-warns/20207990.article

 

[Murray]

https://www.pharmaceutical-journal....-home-use-manufacturer-warns/20207990.article

They're just covering themselves

A spokesperson for Superdrug told The Pharmaceutical Journal at the time of the launch that its laboratory was “adhering to all requirements as set by Abbott that the ‘ARCHITECT’ SARS-CoV-2 IgG (6R86) test is conducted using a serum or plasma sample (no requirement of a venous sample)”.

 

[Admin]

Andorra has tested the entire country's population twice and positive antibodies were found in 10% of the population. Would have thought this would be a good guide figure for other countries....

 

[Murray]

Andorra has tested the entire country's population twice and positive antibodies were found in 10% of the population. Would have thought this would be a good guide figure for other countries....

A report said 17% in London have likely had it

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/en...est-study-reveals_uk_5ec69f64c5b6715509a8fed7