For Purchase by Healthcare Professionals only
What is the COVID-19 Rapid Antibody Test Kit?
The COVID-19 Rapid Antibody Test Kit is a self-testing kit for coronavirus that can be purchased by medical professionals. It’s a quick and simple test that detects novel COVID-19 antibodies in your blood, serum, or plasma, helping to give you peace of mind as the pandemic continues. Each kit contains 10 tests, so you can test multiple patients or use it to monitor one patient’s progression throughout their illness. If you’re a medical professional looking for an easy way to test for COVID-19 at home without needing any special equipment, this could be the perfect solution for you.
What is COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
COVID-19, which is also known as the coronavirus, is an infectious disease which has the potential to be deadly in people of all ages. When you have COVID-19, the most common symptoms you will experience are a high temperature (which you’ll be able to feel without a thermometer) and a continuous cough. If you develop either of these symptoms you should stay at home, self-isolate, and contact 111 for more information. However, you may still be a carrier of COVID-19 even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms, which is why some high-risk patients may benefit from self-testing.
What are IgG and IgM antibodies?
IgG and IgM antibodies are created in your body when you’re fighting off an infection, as they help to protect your body as a part of your immune system. The antibodies your body creates are different for every infection you can experience and they can easily be detected using a simple blood test, making them an ideal way to determine whether you have an illness or infection. This COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit works by detecting IgG and IgM antibodies that are created in your body when it’s fighting off COVID-19, recognising different antibodies which are present in your body at different stages of the illness to help you determine how far along you are in the recovery process.
Who can buy this COVID-19 test kit?
This COVID-19 testing kit can only be purchased by registered medical professionals. In order to purchase this product, you must be able to meet one of the following criteria and be able to provide valid proof of your credentials:
- GMC Registered doctors
- NMC Registered Nurses
- GPhC Registered Pharmacists
- HCPC Registered Arts Therapist
- HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist
- HCPC Registered Chiropodist
- HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist
- HCPC Registered Dietician
- HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist
- HCPC Registered Orthoptist
- HCPC Registered Paramedic
- HCPC Registered Physiotherapist
- HCPC Registered Psychologist
- HCPC Registered Prosthetist
- HCPC Registered Radiotherapist
- HCPC Registered Speech & Language Therapist
Do I need to draw blood to take this test?
You will need to draw a drop of blood, serum or plasma from your body in order to use in this test. You may find that drawing a drop of blood is the easiest way to test, as this process is simple and only hurts as much as a pinprick. You will only need to draw a small amount of blood, similar to the amount that you may need to test your blood glucose levels if you have diabetes.
What’s included with this product?
This COVID-19 test kit contains everything you need to conduct 10 tests at home, including:
- Test cassette x 10
- Vial of buffer fluid x 1
- Lancet x 10
- Alcohol pad x 10
- Dropper x 10
How to take the test
Before using this product, wash your hands thoroughly, following NHS guidelines for best results. Remove the kit from its packaging and lay it out on a clean, dry surface. Use one of the alcohol wipes included to clean the fingertip you’re going to use for testing, prepare the lancet and press it gently against the sterilised fingertip. Squeeze the top of your finger until a drop of blood forms, then use a dropper to draw up a small amount of the blood and place it into the round well of the test cassette. Alternatively, you can squeeze the top of your finger to deposit the drop of blood directly into the well on your test kit. Once you’ve added the blood, add 2 drops of the buffer fluid into the round section of the test cassette too. Wait for 10 minutes before reading your test results.
What do my test results mean?
When your results are ready, you’ll see at least one line in the results window of your test. The number of crosses you see in the window will tell you whether you’ve tested positive or negative for novel coronavirus antibodies, in a similar way that the lines on a pregnancy test tell you whether you’re pregnant or not.
- 1 cross - If you see just one cross in the window, you have tested negative for COVID-19 antibodies
- 2 crosses - If you see two crosses in the window, you have tested positive for either IgM or IgG antibodies
- 3 crosses - If you see three crosses in the window, you have tested positive for both IgM and IgG antibodies
Once you’ve recognised whether you have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, you can use this to try and determine which stage of infection you are experiencing, using the following table as a guide.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is between 2 - 30 degrees C, and away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Dispose of any sharps responsibly.
Important information
This product should only be ordered by registered medical professionals. If you suspect that you may have caught COVID-19 you should stay at home and contact 111 so they can tell you what to do next. For more information about the coronavirus and how to stay safe during this pandemic, please see the NHS website.
Make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before using this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before using this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this product is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
