Highland lab's vital role in Covid-19 antibody testing
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A LABORATORY'S "vital contribution" to a pilot study into Covid-19 antibody testing has been praised.
The Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratory in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has helped develop a test which can help show the prevalence of the virus in the community.
Public Health Scotland recently published data from their surveillance programme to estimate the proportion of people who have antibodies to coronavirus and that estimated that 4.3 per cent of the population have antibodies.
An antibody test also has the ability to detect asymptomatic and mild infections.
The study, which started on April 20, involved six health boards across Scotland, including NHS Highland. All test samples taken were sent to the Inverness lab for testing.
Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd, a pharmacist by profession, said: “The team at the Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratory in Inverness are making an absolutely vital contribution to our national efforts in tackling this virus.
“Gathering and interpreting data and monitoring change is a key component of good surveillance, and antibody testing plays an important role in this.
“The information provided by the pilot study has been crucial to our understanding of coronavirus.
“This really is pioneering work and it’s fantastic to see the Highlands leading the way on this.
“It’s important we recognise and appreciate our key workers behind the scenes, who continue to work tirelessly to better understand the virus. The ultimate goal is to find a vaccine, but studies on antibody tests, and ways of treating Covid-19 patients are also vital.”
