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UK-made reagent available globally free for COVID-19 testing

A new biological reagent is being made available to laboratories around the UK and the world to help countries to set up and develop accurate diagnostic testing for COVID-19. The reagent is intended to be used in tests that identify individuals currently infected with the virus.

A positive control sample containing a known amount of non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 genetic material is provided with the test for confirmation that the test is working correctly.

An initial batch of 1500 vials of the reagent is now available from the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), with production of a further batch currently underway. The NIBSC has fast-tracked the development and production of the reagent, which is to be made freely available globally to help laboratories respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the development, Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, Lord Bethell said: “It’s yet another example of the UK’s pioneering life sciences sector leading the way in the fight against coronavirus."

“Thanks to our world-leading scientists and clinicians, we’ve now been able to fast-track a new biological reagent to help the UK and countries across the globe carry out even more tests and develop ever more accurate ways of diagnosing the virus,” he said.


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