Britain Approves Antibody Test that Shows whether People Have Previously Been Exposed to Virus

Coronavirus

Britain Approves Antibody Test that Shows whether People Have Previously Been Exposed to Virus

May 14, 2020

An example of a testing vial is visible outside a mobile testing lab unit set up by the District of Columbia Government in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

AP An example of a testing vial is visible outside a mobile testing lab unit set up by the District of Columbia Government in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Washington. A team of technicians can test up to 50 samples within four hours and provide same day results. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) COVID-19

LONDON — British health authorities have for the first time approved an antibody test that shows whether people have previously been exposed to the new coronavirus.

The test, manufactured by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche, has already been approved for use in the United States and the European Union.

Public Health England says government scientists found the test to be 100% accurate. It shows whether people have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and have developed antibodies against it, which may provide some immunity.

The British government says it is working on plans to offer antibody tests to health care workers and the public.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said an antibody test could be a “game changer” in allowing the U.K. to end its national lockdown. But attempts to find a reliable test have been troubled. Some 17.5 million tests ordered from various suppliers all failed to meet U.K. standards.

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