A Derby company develops a dual covid and flu test
SureScreen Diagnostics are the first to gain UK approval to supply GPs, care homes and hospitals
Last updated 8th Nov 2022
A new rapid lateral flow test designed to detect both flu and COVID at the same time has been given the green light in the UK to help save lives during the coming months as the country braces itself for an expected winter “twindemic”.
Just like COVID lateral flow tests, a nasal sample is collected by rotating a swab inside the nostril and then putting it into a liquid. Droplets are then placed at the top of two formulated strips placed side by side in a special dual test cassette. It will then give users a positive or negative result for both COVID and influenza A and B, the two main types of flu that affect humans, in 10 minutes.
SureScreen, is based in Derby, director David Campbell, says: “Our new tests are already being used successfully overseas and by key hospital partners, so we’re delighted that we are now able to offer them to more hospitals and care homes across the country.
“The COVID pandemic demonstrated that rapid testing is a key tool to control the spread of viruses through the population and our LFT technology will return a positive test by the patient side in minutes, allowing care homes and hospitals to understand what they are dealing with quickly".