Experts say antibody test lacks 'proper assessment'

Writing in the BMJ, a number of medical experts have argued that coronavirus antibody tests for NHS and care staff are being rolled out without ‘adequate assessment’.

The 14 senior academics say that, rather than easing pressure on stressed and overworked staff, the tests could in fact place an unnecessary burden on the NHS.

Officials say the blood tests to see if someone has had the virus, which the government asked NHS trusts and care homes to make them available to staff in England last month, will play an ‘increasingly important role’ in the fight against the virus.

With the current laboratory tests, NHS England says, a positive result shows a person has had coronavirus. However, it does not prove they have immunity against future attacks or whether they could transmit the virus to others.

The group of scientists say as a positive result is unable to prove immunity, the tests offer ‘no benefit’ to hospitals and care staff. The academics also suggest there is little data on how well the test works for people at highest risk - including people belonging to some ethnic minorities and older patients.