Coronavirus 99%-accurate antibody test approved for use in Europe

A new coronavirus antibody test that has proven to be 99% accurate has been certified for distribution across Europe.

The test has obtained the CE Mark certifying that it complies with EU safety rules.

Global diagnostics specialists Abbott said it is expecting to ship millions of the laboratory-based tests across Europe by the end of May.

The test identifies the IgG protein the body produces when it has been infected by coronavirus and which can remain in the body for months and possibly even years.

Antibody testing is crucial to identifying patients who have passed the disease and who may have developed immunity.

Mike Clayton, managing director of Abbott’s Northern Europe diagnostics division said: “Abbott has been focused on bringing COVID-19 tests to market as quickly as possible to help address this pandemic.

“We are proud to be able to provide our antibody tests immediately as they will help understand who has had the virus, leading to greater confidence as we get back to living life. We are collaborating with the NHS, public health bodies and private laboratories across the UK to enable this test to be used here."