ICT International, a renowned medical testing device manufacturer, is reportedly launching new rapid antigen testing in the industry, a complete game-changer when it comes to the global pandemic. Having a test that detects intact virus particles in a person’s body is crucial. Mass testing is important to reopen the economy as COVID-19 still prevails.   

Mike Mulroy, Vice President of ICT International, stated that three great strides need to be taken to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic: Accurate testing (attained through PCR), quicker test results at decreased costs while maintaining desired accuracy levels (provided by the company’s test), and a COVID-19 vaccine.

Clinical studies demonstrate a relative sensitivity of 97.3%, which is equivalent to PCR tests done by regulatory authorities across the globe. For comparison, the LabGun COVID-19 RT-PCR Kit shows a 96.38% relative sensitivity.

The newly launched antigen test does not require expensive equipment or laboratories. Mass testing can be done at pharmaceuticals or clinics, safely enabling people to resume their work as well as governments to unlock their borders for travelers. More than half a million people in London work in the hospitality sector, a market that will benefit through this test. A leading UK theatre operator stated that it will not reopen the theaters unless permissions are granted for full houses, a severe blow for the country’s $111 billion arts industry.

William Miller, President of ICT, stated that the test will not replace PCR testing kits, which use a different methodology, but instead augments their capabilities. The rapid antigen testing can be used at hospitals or airports, where speed is crucial.

Miller further added that about four times the number of COVID-19 tests can be done through the company’s product in comparison with an expensive PCR test. It is easy to read, simple to conduct, inexpensive, and highly accurate. 

The company is working to get CE registration to be able to legally distribute the tests across Europe. ICT has been innovating accurate diagnostic testing solutions for that past 30+ years, leading the market with various affordable and fast tests (such as HIV).

Source credit: https://www.newswire.com/news/ict-international-announces-availability-of-covid-19-rapid-antigen-21238647