Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Covid-19

Last time I checked I was not allowed to give blood here - bit of a dodgy past!

Not surprising with the antibody test that there are companies here in the UK trying to capitalise on a crisis. I've just £40 on a 10litre box of cider from my local. I think that will give me far more comfort and happiness than an antibody test.

Just checked. Still not allowed, but seems to be much more relaxed now.

Sounds good to me!

I don’t see the problem with this. It offers choice to the public, and no one is forced to pay for a test.

So long as the test has been validated as being of sufficient quality and accuracy to have proper diagnostic value, then yes. But there will be many charlatans entering the market flogging snake oil and magic beans, and whilst the medical director of NHSEngland is advising against the tests until they have been properly evaluated I would personally not place any faith in them.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52747112

Here's the Gov guidance:

Guide to COVID testing

Stiil, a fool and his cash........

CIVID Antibody kits have been approved by PHE and the NHS... but only for use in NHS labs, not commercial labs.
The next stage is to get them approved, which means full method validation including blood collection.
The kits that use a finger prick are pointless, and have NOT been approved because the test needs a 2ml blood sample.
This sample needs to be collected by a qualified person... like me. Yes, I used to collect blood at the hospital...back in 1974 and 1975...
So, a private lab, using qualified staff and either the Abbot or Roche kit will be fine. I am certain that is what the professional football testing procedure will use.

So as both the kits mentioned below rely on a few drops of blood from a fingerprick, they're pointless and therefore a waste of money. As I said, a fool and his cash......

And shame on the companies for preying on fears and offering a shonky test to make a few quid in the crisis.

The instructions for the Privatecoronavirustest.com site makes it clear that a 2mL sample is needed and a specimen tube is included.
But for most people getting a 2ml sample isn't possible unless you have access to a NHS person willing to collect the sample, or perhaps a vet.
They tend to be less bound by rules!

I agree, this test should be available free of charge for anyone with a valid reason like teachers, care workers and so on.

I just read the bit on their website where it said: