People who had Covid to be tested for antibodies in new scheme

22 August 2021, 08:44 | Updated: 23 August 2021, 17:05

People who test positive for Covid could be sent 2 at-home antibody tests to complete
People who test positive for Covid could be sent two at-home antibody tests to complete. Picture: Alamy

By Daisy Stephens

A UK-wide antibody testing programme is to be launched for people who have tested positive for coronavirus, the Government has announced.

The programme, which will offer tests to thousands of adults per day, aims to improve understanding and gain "vital" data about antibody protection following Covid infection and vaccination.

From Tuesday, anyone over 18 from any of the four UK nations can opt in to the programme when receiving a PCR test.

Read more: Thousands at Euro 2020 final were 'potentially infectious' as Govt blames ticketless fans

Read more: 'Harrowing' rise in deaths of children linked to abuse or neglect during pandemic

Of those who test positive for coronavirus, up to 8,000 will be sent two finger prick antibody tests to complete at home and send back for analysis.

The first must be taken as soon as possible after the positive result, and the second must be taken 28 days later.

'She's had Covid twice so she's decided she doesn't need it.'

The UK Health Security Agency, which is running the programme, will work alongside NHS test and trace services in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and use the results to monitor levels of antibodies in positive cases across the UK.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says it will be the first time antibody tests have been made available to the general public, and the scheme could also provide insight into any groups of people who do not develop an immune response.

The data will be used to inform the ongoing approach to the pandemic and give further insight into the effectiveness of vaccines on new variants.

Read more: UK in race against time to evacuate Brits and Afghans ahead of US withdrawal

Read more: Shocking footage shows Jewish man knocked unconscious in alleged racist attack

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the programme will build on the "massive wall of defence" that is the UK vaccination programme.

"Our new national antibody testing will be quick and easy to take part in," he said.

"By doing so you'll be helping strengthen our understanding of Covid-19 as we cautiously return to a more normal life.

"I'm proud to see all parts of the UK uniting around this new initiative and working together to arm ourselves with even more valuable insights into how Covid-19 vaccines are protecting people up and down the UK."

Caller tells of his heart attack aged 33 from a Covid blood clot.

Those taking part must take the first antibody test as soon as possible after receiving a positive PCR result so the body does not have time to generate a detectable antibody response to the infection.

The second test should be taken 28 days later and will measure antibodies generated in response to the infection.

Read more: Greece builds 25-mile border fence to stop migrants after Afghanistan falls to the Taliban

Read more: A 'constant rollercoaster': England's holiday rules changed 50 times during Covid outbreak

UK Health Security Agency chief executive Dr Jenny Harries said:  “We are rolling out antibody testing across the UK to gain vital insight into the impact of our vaccination programme and immune responses to different variants of COVID-19.

 “This innovative programme is only possible thanks to the thousands of people who continue to help with studies on vaccine and treatment effectiveness each week.  

“The best way to protect yourself and those around you is by getting vaccinated.  I encourage anyone who has not yet come forward to book their first and second jabs.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Backpacker Sarisha said the Nana Backpackers Hostel offered free alcohol in exchange for good reviews

Hostel at centre of 'mass methanol poisoning' offered free shots in exchange for good reviews, backpacker claims

Breaking
Parents of British lawyer killed in Laos 'mass methanol poisoning' pay tribute to 'kind and loving daughter'

Parents of British lawyer killed in Laos 'mass methanol poisoning' pay tribute to 'kind and loving daughter'

Queen Camilla to miss Royal Variety as she continues recovery following chest infection

Queen Camilla to miss Royal Variety as she continues recovery following chest infection

Gatwick South Terminal to reopen after bomb scare but passengers still face flight delays and cancellations

Gatwick South Terminal reopens after bomb scare but passengers still face flight delays and cancellations

London, UK. 22nd November 2024. Police cordon and firefighters on the scene at the Embassy of USA in London following a controlled explosion of a suspicious package. Credit: Vuk Valcic/Alamy Live News

Police say US embassy 'suspect package' was probably a hoax after carrying out controlled explosion

Many Britons again faced freezing temperatures overnight

Brits brace for Storm Bert: Met Office issues amber weather warning for snow - with up to 40cm set to fall

Harshita

'We will never forget you till our last breath': Family of Harshita Brella pay tribute - as manhunt continues for killer

Live
Gatwick airport.

LIVE: Gatwick Airport South Terminal evacuated after 'suspicious item found'

Exclusive
Negative images from Band Aid did 'more bad than good' for Africa, says rapper Fuse ODG

Negative images from Band Aid did 'more bad than good' for Africa, rapper Fuse ODG tells LBC

Gatwick Airport South Terminal evacuated after 'suspicious bag found near train station' as bomb squad called in

Gatwick Airport South Terminal evacuated after 'suspicious bag found near train station' as bomb squad called in

Simone White will be 'sincerely missed', a tribute to her has said

Devastated colleagues pay tribute to British lawyer as Laos ‘methanol mass poisoning’ death toll rises to six

Colette Fairbanks was sacked after sharing ‘offensive’ posts

Brexit views not protected from workplace discrimination, tribunal rules after woman sacked over ‘offensive’ posts

The Metropolitan Police carried out a controlled detonation of a suspect package near the US embassy in London

US Embassy in London on 'lockdown' as police investigate 'suspect package'

Coleen Rooney said her husband Wayne has not been forgiven in the court of public opinion

Coleen Rooney opens up on Wayne's 'difficult' mistakes as she says he hasn't been forgiven in court of public opinion

Many of the victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel

Laos hostel owner arrested after Brit lawyer becomes fifth tourist to die in 'poisoning'

Holly Bowles, 19, from Melbourne, has died in the ‘methanol mass poisoning’

Sixth person dies in Laos ‘methanol mass poisoning’ as hostel owner detained by police