Attomarker, a spin-out company from the University of Exeter, has launched its new COVID-19 seven-minute Triple Antibody Test to the public at Harley Street. The test, which is unique in the market, will tell patients whether they have antibodies against the virus either from a previous infection, or from the vaccine, and if these remain above a protective threshold.

Harley Street is the third clinic to adopt the technology in as many months, further to the test device being approved by the MHRA following positive results from an initial patient study at St. Thomas’ Hospital, and achieving CE marking in early 2021. It delivers laboratory level, quantitative results in just seven minutes at the point-of-care, telling patients if they have antibodies against the novel coronavirus.

A number of currently available antibody tests only measure antibodies for one protein, the nucleocapsid (N) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Attomarker technology uses a multiplex platform, which means that it tests for multiple clinically relevant biomarkers against the SARS-CoV-2 virus simultaneously: giving a more powerful profile of the patient’s immune response to COVID-19.

CEO & Founder of Attomarker and Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Exeter, Professor Andrew Shaw, commented on Harley Street: “We are delighted to be launching our technology in another clinic and one with such gravitas. Harley Street is renowned for bringing patients the latest medical services and technologies – our test fits perfectly here.

“Timing is also key. There has never been a better time to check your antibodies to understand if you’re safe. We know that waning immunity from vaccines is a key cause of rising hospitalisations.

“Do you still have strong immunity to COVID-19, or do you need a booster? No one knows unless they test their antibodies. Knowing this vital information will help us all decide if we can get back to normal.

“Vaccination does not provide full protection for society. I believe this next generation of antibody tests, giving rapid laboratory level results on three classes of antibody, is vital for tackling this dangerous and persistent virus.”

The blood-draw test reveals whether people have antibodies against the virus and, most importantly, if these are still above or below the protective threshold. It also shows whether they have contracted the virus previously and if their vaccine has worked.

“The technology has been developed for over a decade and it’s another success story for British universities and British science in the global battle against COVID-19,” continued Professor Shaw.

“We were proud to have worked alongside St Thomas’ Hospital at the beginning of the pandemic and now to be offering the service at Harley Street before its roll-out nationally.

Professor Shaw also commented that having had the test himself has helped with his own health. He said: “In my own case, I have not generated sufficient levels of protective antibodies despite being double vaccinated with AZ; so, I will discuss this with my GP.

“I also tested three nurses recently: all double vaccinated with AZ. Like me, two of them had not reached the protective threshold. A doctor, double vaccinated with Pfizer by January, has antibody levels now below the threshold. This is vital information, for the individuals and the NHS. With vaccines waning across the country as we speak – the time to get tested is now!”

The test costs £150, but interested parties can get an introductory £50 off when using the code: LAUNCH50 and can book their consultation* by using the online site:
https://www.attomarker.com/antibody-test-booking#HarleyStreetAppointment

The service comes with results shown on a screen as well as patients being able to download Attomarker’s Biomark iOS app which will allow them to download their data and carry their results around with them in a personalised format and share with others.