Abbot Laboratories on Tuesday (June 29) said its Panbio Covid-19 antigen self-test received CE mark, enabling direct sales to consumers in the UK and Europe.
The test is used for detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in adults and children with or without symptoms.
The easy use to use test kit, delivers results in 15 minutes. It can also be used on infants with an adult’s support, Abbott said in a statement.
The CE clearance for the test will boost testing, and reduce the spread of infection as economies reopen and daily life activities resume.
According to a recent study published in JAMA, at least 50 per cent of Covid-19 infections are estimated to have originated from exposure to asymptomatic individuals.
Another study by a University College London revealed that 86 per cent of people in the UK who tested positive for Covid-19 did not have symptoms.
“Alongside the roll-out of vaccines in the UK, testing plays a crucial part in getting our lives back to a closer version of normal,” said Sam Lloyd, general manager of Abbott’s rapid diagnostics business in the UK and Ireland.
“With this latest approval, our easy-to-use, high-performing and reliable Panbio Covid-19 Antigen Self-Test will be more accessible to more people across the UK,” Lloyd said.
Moreover, this test is less expensive than PCR, allowing people to test more frequently.
The best way to control the spread of infection is to regularly test people as they return to work, school, travel and before large family gatherings and events.
Many governments and employers are extensively using the Panbio Covid-19 Ag Rapid Test Device for mass screenings at airports, sporting events and other activities where people congregate.
Since August 2020, Abbott has shipped 300 million Panbio Covid-19 Antigen Rapid tests for professional use to countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.
It comes in one, four, and 10 count test kits to support individual and family testing needs.
The kit is also available in larger quantities of 20 to meet school and workplace testing needs.
