SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test 2.0, which is the next generation of Roche’s existing SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test, is said to be a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for qualitatively identifying IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum, plasma, or whole blood
Roche rolls out SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test 2.0 in markets that accept the CE Mark. (Credit: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd)
Swiss healthcare company Roche has launched the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test 2.0 for detecting Covid-19, in partnership with SD Biosensor in markets that accept the CE Mark.
SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test 2.0 is said to be a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for qualitatively detecting IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum, plasma, or whole blood.
Roche said that the test can be carried out by using blood from a finger prick in a point of care setting and results are obtained within 10-15 minutes. The results can help determine an adaptive immune response to the virus causing Covid-19, said the company.
The new test is the next generation of the company’s existing SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test, which was rolled out in the markets in July 2020.
Roche Diagnostics point of care head Ian Parfrement said: “The next-generation of our SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test demonstrates Roche’s continued commitment to innovate as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.
“We are proud to introduce an improved antibody test that, given its point of care use, offers healthcare professionals greater speed and accessibility in providing the right care to those that need it.”
According to Roche, the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test 2.0 provides wide use than its original configuration, whose focus was on recovered patients. The new test includes vaccinated people as well.
The Swiss firm said that the test has been updated for enhancing the detection of antibodies against variants of the virus as well. Besides, it continues to be investigated against new Covid-19 variants that have been causing concern.
Healthcare professionals can use the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test 2.0 with a capillary sample in point of care settings outside clinical labs and near patients.
Roche said that the test should assist healthcare professionals in identifying patients who have developed antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which indicates prior infection or vaccination.
Furthermore, the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test 2.0 is useful where timely decisions are required, SARS-CoV-2 testing is not possible in a laboratory, or sampling through finger prick is a better choice over a venous blood draw, said Roche.