Government appeal to biotech firms over COVID-19 antibody test

Health secretary Matt Hancock will appeal to the biotech industry to help the UK find an antibody test that works in a bid to tackle COVID-19.

According to the Guardian, Hancock will issue his appeal via a conference call after tests purchased by the government so far have shown not to be fit for purpose.

Biotech companies will be asked to help identify and mass-produce a fingerprick test that is accurate enough to offer to the general population to see if they have had coronavirus.

The government has already issued a call for manufacturers to switch production to help increase the capacity of NHS ventilators.