A BARNARD CASTLE-based medical company is now able to process up to 3,000 Covid-19 dual antibody tests a day, promising results in just 24 hours.
In April the Honeyman Group set up a swab testing facility for Covid-19 to help screen locally for the virus.
Tom Honeyman, managing director of Honeyman Group, said: “As a life science laboratory we decided early on in the pandemic to help join the national effort by providing dedicated facilities, capacity and capability. We’re looking to provide the best service we can.”
The firm has now increased diagnostic capabilities at its Harmire Industrial Estate-base after launching a “highly accurate” antibody testing service, developed in partnership with pharmaceutical giant Quotient.
Mr Honeyman added: “We also offer PCR screening and believe that this, coupled with the Quotient dual antibody response detection, will help companies with a large workforce in devising back-to-work strategies.”
The antibody test, which indicates past or recent infections, is designed to detect both IgG and IgM antibodies, which are produced in the bodoy’s response to the virus.
Mr Honeyman added: “Dual antibody detection is a significant step forward. Existing approved test methods used within the UK only provide for IgG detection, but research has shown that not everyone has this reaction.”
The testing platform, developed in the UK and Switzerland, is believed to be the fastest and most reliable antibody test for the virus. Honeyman Group is the only UK laboratory to provide both antibody and PCR sample turnaround in less than 24 hours, with collections throughout the UK and Ireland.
They will be working with public health systems including private GP practices, clinics and occupational health teams.
Franz Walt, chief executive at Quotient, said: “Antibody testing – the ability to quickly test if people have developed antibodies to COVID-19 – is critical in helping the UK move out of lockdown, restarting the economy and continuing to fight this pandemic. We are proud to be working with Honeyman.”
