LGC COVID-19 antibody assay suitable for serum and dried blood sampling

LGC (Cambridge, UK) has developed a COVID-19 antibody assay that can analyse up to 40,000 samples per day and is suitable for both serum and dried blood sampling. The new assay can use serum or capillary blood, which is collected remotely using Neoteryx’s (CA, USA) Mitra® microsampling device.

This partnership enables individuals to collect their own blood sample at home using the Mitra device and a simple fingerstick method. Once collected, the blood samples can be posted to LGC’s laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 testing. The antibody assay developed by LGC achieves a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 98% for samples taken 21 days post positive PCR test. The testing also allows for sample results to be reported within 24 hours of sample receipt.

“A real value of remote blood sampling with the Mitra® device for testing in LGC’s outstanding lab is that people don’t have to leave home to learn if they have developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies,” commented James Rudge, Technical Director, Neoteryx. “Our Mitra is designed with volumetric absorptive microsampling, or VAMS® technology, which enables virtually anyone to collect a few drops of blood on the device with scientific precision.”

Antibody tests are important to understanding the spread of coronavirus and how immunity against COVID-19 develops. “Our assay is suitable for partnering with employers for back to work testing using the self-sampling Mitra® device, and therefore does not require a phlebotomist to take the blood sample in a healthcare setting,” commented Michael van der Merwe, Commercial Director, LGC. “The assay can also support patient stratification for clinical trials and COVID-19 vaccine development. As well as qualitative data, we can also provide semi-quantitative data on the level of antibodies present indicating the magnitude of the immune response.”

Source: www.lgcgroup.com/newsroom-and-blog/news-and-blog/lgc-and-neoteryx-covid-antibody-assay/