Abbott has announced that it has received CE Mark for its Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test for use in the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in adults and children with or without symptoms.
The approval paves the way for critical access to fast, reliable self-testing throughout the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe to reduce the spread of infection as economies reopen and daily life activities resume.
Self-testing is a key aspect of the UK government’s national testing strategy, making testing widely available in order to facilitate activities of daily life. Frequent rapid testing at work, school and home makes it possible for people to know their infection status when it matters most.
Abbott’s Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test arms people with timely health information at a critical point to help reduce further spread of infection. The test delivers results in 15 minutes, is easy to use and features a minimally invasive nasal swab for self-collection of specimens. The test can be used on symptomatic or asymptomatic adults and children, including infants with an adult’s support.
"Alongside the roll-out of vaccines in the UK, testing plays a crucial part in getting our lives back to a closer version of normal," said Sam Lloyd, general manager of Abbott's rapid diagnostics business in the UK and Ireland. "Rapid tests enable us to determine someone’s infection status, which in turn will indicate how likely they are to pass on the virus to someone who might be at risk. With this latest approval, our easy-to-use, high-performing and reliable Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test will be more accessible to more people across the UK."
Rapid antigen testing is less expensive than PCR testing allowing for more people to test more frequently. While vaccines continue to roll out, the best way to curb the spread of infection is to regularly test people as they return to work, school, travel and before large family gatherings and events.
