New York-based healthcare distribution company Henry Schein has developed a rapid blood test to help medical professionals with the diagnosis of COVID-19.
The company's Standard Q COVID-19 immunoglobulin M and G (IgM/IgG) rapid test is an immunochromatography test that can identify COVID-19 antibodies from blood drawn with a pinprick. The test provides results within 15 minutes and can be administered at the point of care.
Because of its detection of antibodies, the test can identify people with past infection, as well as those in the mid-to-late stages of the disease. Henry Schein cautioned that physicians should also consider follow-up molecular tests to confirm or rule out COVID-19.
Henry Schein is working with SD Biosensor to manufacture the tests. The company expects to have several hundred thousand tests available by March 30, with even more tests available in April.
