Colworth Park based AgPlus has been working on an antigen assay and antibody assay and have successfully secured grants from Innovate UK and DASA to support the work. Recognising the need to respond quickly they have utilised thier proven lab-based electrochemistry technology, originally developed at the National Physical Laboratory and adapted this as a desk top solution that does not require a sterile environment, sophisticated equipment or extensive training.

They have completed some initial clinical testing of their Antibody assay utilising over 30+ normal (pre-COVID samples), including samples positive for CMV IgG and around 120+ COVID-19 positive samples as confirmed by PCR. This testing has determined the assay has specificity of >99% and a sensitivity of 97%. The assay will now be further optimised and tested in field to ensure efficacy, prior to submitting to the MHRA. Working closely with their technology partner Marble Product Design they are upgrading our bench top readers with an interface and GUI to ensure ease of use at point of testing.