Since the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of other diseases, testing is the only way to know for sure if someone is infected. This is why Rapid Antigen Tests are a game-changer as they are designed to tell in a few minutes whether someone is infectious or not. This test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. It can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. The turnaround time for results is usually very quick, and, in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes.
Northern Ireland-based organisations have been quick to respond and have demonstrated the power of the region’s collaborative approach to addressing unprecedented healthcare challenges. This was demonstrated with one of the world’s first fully automated molecular diagnostic tests that can detect a SARS-CoV-2 infection in under 2.5 hours being developed in Northern Ireland.
One company that has developed several test kits to assist in the diagnosis of COVID-19 is Northern Ireland’s Biopanda Reagents. The company has worked closely with several European partners to assist in the validation of COVID-19 tests.
Philip McKee, Sales Manager, Biopanda Reagents, told Omnia Health Insights: “Biopanda Reagents’ mission statement is to provide innovative, high quality and cost-effective test reagents that offer the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy that customers require.”
He explained that the Biopanda COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test is a qualitative lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in nasopharyngeal (nasal) and oropharyngeal (throat) swab specimens. It is intended for use as a tool to assist in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections, in conjunction with other tests.
On February 9, the company will be participating in the ‘Northern Ireland: Providing innovative solutions to the world’s healthcare challenges’ webinar that will highlight this innovative region's Life Sciences sector.
“At the webinar, I will be focusing on presenting our range of products and clinical tests, and highlighting our other ranges including veterinary and food safety tests,” said McKee. “I will share the success of our COVID-19 tests and the great feedback we have received from our customers. I will give an example of our customer in Bahrain.”
Philip McKee
He concluded: “I think that laboratory medicine needs to be complemented with more point-of-care diagnostic technologies and screening methods, such as what our company can provide.”
Join the webinar: Northern Ireland: Providing innovative solutions to the world’s healthcare challenges
Tuesday 9th February – 3PM GST
You can hear more from Biopanda at this webinar hosted by Invest Northern Ireland, the economic development agency for Northern Ireland, UK. With expertise across a range of specialisms, including respiratory products, diagnostics, medical devices, e-health and medtech, companies from Northern Ireland are enabling treatments that transform lives across the globe.
Register for free >>
