Millions of new rapid coronavirus tests will be rolled out across NHS hospitals, care homes and labs in preparation for the coming winter.
The two new tests, both able to detect the virus in just 90 minutes, will be made available to NHS hospitals, care homes and labs. The tests will be able to detect both COVID-19 and other winter viruses such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The tests do not require a trained health professional to operate them, meaning they can be rolled out in more non-clinical settings.
‘We’re using the most innovative technologies available to tackle coronavirus. Millions of new rapid coronavirus tests will provide on-the-spot results in under 90 minutes, helping us to break chains of transmission quickly,’ said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
‘The fact these tests can detect flu as well as COVID-19 will be hugely beneficial as we head into winter, so patients can follow the right advice to protect themselves and others.’
One of the new tests uses DNA to detect the virus will be rolled out across NHS hospitals from September, with 5000 DNA machines, supplied by DnaNudge, to provide 5.8 million tests in the coming months. Separately, 450,000 90-minute LamPORE swab tests will also be available across adult care setting and laboratories from next week, supplied by Oxford Nanopore.
‘LamPORE has the potential to deliver a highly effective and, crucially, accessible global testing solution, not only for COVID-19 but for a range of other pathogens,’ said Gordon Sanghera, CEO of Oxford Nanopore.
‘We are delighted to be working with the UK government to support and empower our communities to effectively manage testing at a national and localised level.’