Forum Topic

Roche test

I read public health England have approved an anti body test produced by Roche. It will have the CE mark. What happened to the talk about Britain being able to produce tests. A vacine produced by the UK for Covid19!! We will see.

Nicholas Beard ● 1810d11 Comments

The main use of antibody tests will be statistical. It will enable us to see what percentage of the population have had the virus with mild or even no symptoms. Then we shall have a better idea of what the death rate is and may even find we are close to herd immunity.

Susan Kelly ● 1803d

A correction, I mean that Superdrug has an ANTIBODY test, NOT an antigen test available, so,Superdrug is offering an ANTIBODY test for Covid-19 (that is, you have had the virus some time) for an eye-watering £69 at Superdrug, which doesn't include postage. It is claimed to be 97.5 per cent accurate.Meanwhile, in today's Downing Street Daily Briefing  NHS England's medical director Prof Stephen Powis said experts were "evaluating" antibody tests, which show if someone has already had the virus. He cautioned against using antibody tests being sold by some retailers.Compare that to the cost of a private flu 'jab' at an ASDA Pharmacy of £7https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52747112https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1284727/coronavirus-antibody-test-superdrug-covid-19-infection-symptoms-signs

Mark Julian Raymond ● 1803d

Superdrug is offering an antigen test for Covid-19 (that is, you have had the virus some time) for an eye-watering £69 at Superdrug, which doesn't include postage. It is claimed to be 97.5 per cent accurate.Meanwhile, in today's Downing Street Daily Briefing  NHS England's medical director Prof Stephen Powis said experts were "evaluating" antibody tests, which show if someone has already had the virus. He cautioned against using antibody tests being sold by some retailers.Compare that to the cost of a private flu 'jab' at an ASDA [harmacy of £7https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52747112https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1284727/coronavirus-antibody-test-superdrug-covid-19-infection-symptoms-signs

Mark Julian Raymond ● 1803d

Having known you have had it is no guarantee you wont get it again. So you are no further forward of backward. I had flu last year although I had the immunisation so what. Not clear is it. Roche are selling incredible numbers. My MP said we are in contract stages now.

Nicholas Beard ● 1808d

I can see the value of an after-the-event antibody test for scientific and statistical research, but what would be the social consequences of individuals knowing their result?  Assuming it does indicate some level of ongoing immunity, would those tested positive no longer be bound by the restrictions and have the run of the place? Would they have to carry a certificate to prove it?  Could they go to 'immunes only' restaurants, while the rest of us press our potentially virulent noses to the window?

Peter Evans ● 1808d

Philippa, it looks as if young people who had the virus with very mild symptoms are not producing antibodies.

Susan Kelly ● 1808d

I dont know but other makes cost around £100.00

Nicholas Beard ● 1809d

I understand we are in the process of placing a contract. Once again we are  behind just like we were on testing and PPE. Mind you the congestion charge went up quickly enough!

Nicholas Beard ● 1809d

Does everybody who has had the virus produce antibodies?  I understood that they didn't.  We also don't know for sure that having had it will give us immunity or for how long.  Still it will all be interesting to find out and we won't find out unless we test.

Philippa Bond ● 1809d

Nicholas, I wonder how much each test costs?

Mark Julian Raymond ● 1810d

Just heard on tv Germany has ordered 5000000 tests a month. How many have we ordered? Another scandal in the making????

Nicholas Beard ● 1810d