COVID-19 antibody test developed at Midlothian BioCampus

The MosaiQ COVID-19 Antibody Microarray is a serological disease screening test developed to screen for infection on the high-throughput MosaiQ™ instrument.

MosaiQ™ is a fully automated and consolidated testing platform for performing blood grouping and transfusion-transmitted infection screening of donated blood.

The next stage of the battle against coronavirus is likely to see an increase in the use of antibody testing.

Quotient Ltd reports the test, developed at its facilities in Midlothian, has 99.8 per cent accuracy, gives results in 35 minutes and the testing machines can process 3,000 tests per day.

“Antibody testing could make all the difference when it comes to tackling the spread of coronavirus, so it’s fantastic to see world-leading efforts developed here in Midlothian.

“This home-grown test is raising international interest and shows the depth of talent we have based here. It’s another example which cements Midlothian’s reputation as a global base for innovation, science and technology.

Mr Owen Thompson, Member of the UK Parliament for Midlothian 

STV News Video 

On  8th of June, STV reporter Gordon Chree visited Quotient's Allan-Robb Campus in Midlothian Science Zone, to interview Ed Farrell, Chief Operating Officer of Quotient Ltd. While on site, he was also tested using the MosaiQ COVID-19 Antibody Microarray.

Several versions of the antibody test – which determine exposure to SARS-Cov2, the virus behind Covid-19 – are being evaluated by the Scottish Government and the NHS.

It is a straightforward procedure that involves giving a blood sample and only takes a matter of minutes.

The blood sample in the test tube is spun for several minutes to separate out plasma. It is then put in another machine that analyses it for the presence of coronavirus antibodies.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt every aspect of normality, affecting millions worldwide. As more research is done around immunity and whether having had the disease gives you it, these tests will play an increasingly important role.

Quotient are in talks with a number of countries to supply their  machines, including the possibility of working with NHS  Scotland. The test is currently being evaluated by the Scottish Government.

About Quotient

Quotient is a commercial-stage diagnostics company that is fully committed to delivering solutions that reshape the way diagnostics is practiced. Originally established in Scotland in the 1940s as Alba Bioscience, Quotient’s then research and manufacturing subsidiary manufactured blood typing reagents as part of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS). Quotient currently has offices in Eysins, Switzerland; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Newtown, Pennsylvania.

Further information