UK still ‘weeks away’ from knowing if coronavirus antibody tests really work
BRITAIN is “weeks away” from knowing whether antibody tests that can show if someone has recovered from coronavirus will actually work.
Professor Karol Sikora, who is leading the trials, said results from the first week had been “mixed”.
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He added: “The good news is they work, but early results suggest only ten per cent of people tested positive.”
He said some sufferers are not producing antibodies to beat the virus — their bodies instead relying on other immune mechanisms.
Prof Sikora said it was too soon to think of using the tests until scientists “get to the bottom of that and what it means”.
The eventual aim is to use the test “like a passport” to enable people to return to work safely.
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Professor John Newton, national co-ordinator of UK coronavirus testing, said he was confident of a breakthrough from the research.
He also warned unverified tests could give “misleading” results.
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He said: “Please don’t buy or take any unproven tests. They may not be reliable for your intended use.
“They may give a false reading and put you, your family or others at risk.”
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