Althea offering Roche-manufactured COVID-19 rapid antigen tests

Althea UK and Ireland has announced it is now offering SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Tests, manufactured by Roche. 

The antibody test can help detect SARS-CoV-2 infection in those suspected to carry the virus with results available in 15 minutes. The test can be used for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

Althea hopes that the new service, which is available for pharmacies, dentists, hospitals and clinics, as well as hospital support companies whose staff access clinical settings, will provide a valuable initial screening test for staff who might be exposed to COVID-19 or work in high-risk environments.

Healthcare workers remain a key high-risk group and regular testing was introduced for patient-facing staff at the end of last year to help protect primary care workers and curb the potential spread of COVID-19.

David Rolfe, CEO Althea said: “As COVID-19 continues to spread, and while vaccinations are being rolled out, testing remains crucial to contain the spread of covid-19. We are pleased to be able to offer the Roche rapid antigen tests to support those providing vital services across the country with a reliable, high-quality testing option at an affordable price. At a time where budgets are stretched and health services are under pressure, as a trusted partner to many hospitals in the UK, we want to do our part in supporting those working on the frontline.” 

Althea manages and maintains medical technology in hospitals and is entirely vendor-independent, meaning they can combine the best technology from across all manufacturers. At a time when healthcare providers are facing unprecedented demand, the company aims to support hospitals with increased capacity and new technology delivered in a cost effective and clinically effective way.

During COVID-19, Althea helped to set up equipment at the London NHS Nightingale Hospital which was set up to administer emergency care to COVID-19 patients. Specialist engineers from Althea have unpacked, built, tested and commissioned over 2750 pieces of equipment to be used at the emergency hospital, and have helped advise the NHS procurement team in sourcing vital equipment

Today the company is providing rapid COVID-19 tests to help further support the response to the pandemic.

The Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Tests is now available to healthcare providers by Althea. Roche’s SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay and is performed using a nasopharyngeal swab. The test has a sensitivity of 96.52% and a specificity of 99.68% and helps to detect antibodies in individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Tests are for professional use and should be administered by healthcare or trained occupational health staff.