12th March 2021

Roche launches new rapid COVID-19 antigen nasal test in UK

Roche Diagnostics has launched a rapid antigen nasal test in the UK, with millions of kits available immediately to help organisations looking to reopen as lockdown restrictions are lifted. 

The SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal can be carried out at the point of care to detect if someone has an active infection, providing results 15 minutes after sampling.

The test works by collecting a sample from the front area of the nose instead of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the nose where it meets the throat), resulting in a simplified and faster testing procedure.

Besides being less invasive, the nasal test also provides patients with the option to self-collect their sample under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Through reduced physical contact, this method of testing can help to decrease the risk of exposure to the virus for healthcare professionals.

Roche obtained a CE mark for the test at the beginning of February, which means it conforms to quality and safety standards. The test is now available across the UK, and can help to provide additional support for sectors including sport, education, leisure and the creative industries.

Geoff Twist, managing director of Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland, said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we are proud to have supported the ongoing national effort with a number of different tests. As the country moves to the next phase and begins to reopen, high quality diagnostic tests will remain critical to supporting the UK’s recovery.

“Our rapid antigen nasal test can deliver results after just 15 minutes, providing much-needed confidence and reassurance at this challenging time. Tests which are convenient to use and deliver fast results can help industries, including the arts, sport and aviation, to get back to business as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“We are extremely proud to be working with organisations across the country to provide testing and with the NHS to continue increasing testing capacity.”

The test is the latest addition to Roche’s COVID-19 portfolio to support healthcare systems in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The launch is a partnership with SD Biosensor, with whom Roche has also launched a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test in July and a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test in September 2020. SD Biosensor, is currently preparing to submit an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Nasal.