RRI and medical device firms work together to develop faster COVID-19 tests

Academic research unit, Richmond Research Institute (RRI) is working in collaboration with medical device manufacturers to develop faster point of care COVID-19 testing and longer-term immunity studies.

The unit aims to develop COVID-19 antigen tests that report results faster than current gold standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing; and research the effects of the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies that develop in infected patients. This will enable a greater understanding of whether – and for how long - infected individuals remain immune to the virus.

The objectives of this focus are to ensure that the spread of infection can be more effectively prevented within the Richmond Pharmacology and RRI organisations, enabling day-to-day clinical research activity to continue as safely and efficiently as possible. Expediting the results of antigen testing could also allow other organisations and wider society to identify infectious individuals, instantly ensuring they are isolated and cared for appropriately.

There is uncertainty about to what extent individuals who present with IgG and IgM antibodies are immune from contracting COVID-19 again. Research into COVID-19 immunity is important to assist authorities to understand which professionals are safe to interact with the public and infected patients, at a lower risk to their own health.

Two tests are currently being conducted within Richmond Pharmacology and the RRI: the COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit (RAPG-COV-019) and the PCR test.

The PCR test is the gold standard within the industry. It measures whether the COVID-19 virus is present in a person’s system. The results currently take a minimum of 24 hours and an individual could become infected between taking the test and receiving the results. This delay makes it difficult to control the spread of infection. 

The RAPG-COV-019 kit indicates whether someone has had the virus and is potentially immune. It measures Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) - antibodies produced by the body as it fights the virus. Results are available within 10 minutes. RAPG-COV-019 tests can be used to identify those who have immunity. 

It is important to analyse tests which show that a person is PCR positive but IgM/IgG negative. These individuals have contracted the virus but have no antibodies to fight off the infection. They may need to be hospitalised in order to receive the correct medical care, and will need to be isolated so they do not spread the infection. 

Current testing does not help to reduce the spread of the infection due to the time taken to process the results. In the long term an antigen test is needed that is similar to those used to detect hepatitis.

Richmond Research Institute is working with medical device manufacturers to study new tests which produce fast and accurate results, and will continue using PCR to gather long term repeat data.