Scots firm rolls out 12-minute Covid tests
● Aberdeen FC among those to benefit from new rapid testing
Aberdeen-based TAC Healthcare Group has rolled out the latest in Covid-19 testing technology, which deliver results in just 12 minutes.
The innovative new test kits, from UK-based life sci ences company, Lumiradx, are small and highly portable, and detect the virus antigen protein from a nasal swab.
It emerged last month that NHS Scotland had agreed a £6.76 million deal with Lumiradx to purchase 300 rapid testing machines as well as a minimum of 500,000 tests.
TAC has invested in 30 at its test centre in the Nor theast, where they are now fully operational, serving clients in the oil and gas, maritime and professional sports sectors, including players from Aberdeen Football Club.
The firm is among the first companies worldwide to deploy the new“lab-in-abox ”- style kits for Covid -19 testing.
Ken Park, clinical director, said: “One of our ambitions is to relieve some of the pressures facing public sector healthcare, which has undoubtedly been put under significant, additional strain by the pandemic.
“Through ground-breaking technologies like this, we are enhancing our existing test capabilities, as well as helping to keep coronavirus out of the North Sea, and providing positive results into the national Test and Protect team.
“In terms of asymptomatic or at-risk testing, we have done more than 48,000 tests to date, and have shared our data with public health. When you are dealing with a new virus like this, that type of information sharing is crucial in building a better understanding of how to respond.”
From 100 tests a week at the start of the pandemic, TAC is now performing more than 4000 every seven days, partly as the result of increased offshore manning levels.
Park added: “When the pandemic first hit offshore, operators dropped down to minimum safe manning levels, so there were far less people being tested.
“We are seeing things starting to get back to normal and have ramped up our testing capability accordingly.
“By offering accurate testing in minutes, we have a greater opportunity to avoid sending potential carriers onto an asset or vessel where, in those types of an enclosed spaces, the virus could easily spread and cause the whole operation to shut down.
“Previously, workers have had to spend two days in a hotel room by themselves. With this new technology, they can come in for a test from 5.45 am and be back at the heliport ready togo offshore, armed with their results, that same morning. It’s far more efficient and cost-effective, as well as being less disruptive for the worker going offshore, as we don’t take away any of their time at home.”
To accommodate the increased demand for its COVID-19 testing services, TAC has also expanded its operation, with the purchase of a larger facility in Dyce in July.
The building will also become the home of the company’s growing occupation - al health team and services, which include medical reception cover, biennial medical checks for offshore workers, the provision of offshore medics and topside cover, as well as the delivery of health and wellbeing programmes for officebased staff.
Previously, workers have had to spend two days in a hotel by themselves. With this, they can be ready to go offshore that same morning
KEN PARK