Medical technology services provider Althea UK and Ireland has launched high-quality and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests.
Manufactured by Roche, the antibody test can help identify SARS-CoV-2 infection in suspected people and can deliver results in 15 minutes.
It is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay, which uses nasopharyngeal swab samples for testing and has a sensitivity of 96.52% and specificity of 99.68%.
In addition, the test can be used for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
The company noted that the latest service, which is accessible for pharmacies, dentists, hospitals, clinics, and hospital support companies whose staff access clinical settings, will offer a valuable initial screening test for staff who are possibly exposed to Covid-19 or work in high-risk settings.
Althea CEO David Rolfe said: “As Covid-19 continues to spread and while vaccinations are being rolled out, testing remains crucial to contain the spread of Covid-19.
“We are pleased to be able to offer the Roche rapid antigen tests to support those providing vital services across the country with a reliable, high-quality testing option at an affordable price.
“At a time where budgets are stretched and health services are under pressure, as a trusted partner to many hospitals in the UK, we want to do our part in supporting those working on the frontline.”
The company manages and maintains medical technology in hospitals and is entirely vendor-independent, meaning they can combine the best technology from across all manufacturers.
Althea noted that during Covid-19, it performed a major role in setting up equipment at the London NHS Nightingale Hospital, which was established to provide emergency care to Covid-19 patients.
Currently, the company offers rapid Covid-19 tests to help further support the national response to the pandemic.
