The United Kingdom now offers antibody tests to its population in an attempt to discover just how protected against the virus are those who have recovered from Coronavirus. According to the plan, thousands of people will receive tests on a daily basis.
If you have a PCR test and you are over 18 years old, you can opt in for antibody tests, and you will be sent two tests at home. The first test should be taken immediately after testing positive for COVID-19 so that antibodies do not have a chance to form. Then, 28 days later, the second test should be taken. The tests require pricking your finger in order to determine the antibodies generated by your body.
“It is vital that we have the fullest understanding possible of vaccine effectiveness and the immune response of the broader population. The rollout of this antibody testing study will help us achieve this and could play an important role in the battle to keep the virus under control,” explained Scotland’s Health Secretary Humza Yousaf.
The new program will run by the UK Health Security Agency, helped by NHS. This programme could provide essential data regarding the natural immune response to this virus, as well as the efficiency of the vaccinations. Moreover, these tests will be useful in identifying groups that are unable to naturally generate anitbodies.
Opting in for the tests will become available on Tuesday for all adults in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland. According to official announcements, up to 8000 persons will be involved in these tests.
“Our new national antibody testing will be quick and easy to take part in [, and by] doing so, you’ll be helping strengthen our understanding of COVID-19 as we cautiously return to a more normal life,” declared Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
