UK Government advises against use of unapproved coronavirus (COVID-19) antibody testing kits

Article summary

National Coordinator of the UK coronavirus testing programme, Professor John Newton, has issued a warning on unapproved antibody testing kits amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The antibody tests that form a part of the government’s strategy to tackle the health crisis, are designed to detect whether or not individuals have had the virus and have developed immunity. However information has emerged concerning organisations seeking to purchase antibody tests for their employees, as well as individuals seeking to buy these online for personal use. Newton has reminded the public that every country in the world including the UK is yet to find a reliable antibody test, even though the government is currently collaborating with companies offering tests and evaluating their effectiveness. Organisations both in the public and private sectors have been advised against using antibody tests that have not been verified in a laboratory setting.