The UK is currently evaluating tests that can tell in 15 minutes whether you have been exposed to the virus. If approved, they could be on the market within days, Bloomberg news agency reports.

The tests are now being evaluated by researchers at Oxford University, according to Sharon Peacock, head of the infectious diseases unit at the Swedish Public Health Agency, who spoke during a parliamentary hearing today.

The blood tests, which test for antibodies to the virus in 15 minutes, will be sold freely on Amazon and pharmacies within a few days. In a subsequent press conference, however, the government emphasized that the tests must be checked in every detail before they are made available. However, there is great hope, because the authorities have already purchased 3.5 million tests, and placed a new order on Wednesday. 

If they work, they will be released as soon as possible, commented chief medical adviser Chris Whitty. However, they cannot replace the antigen tests used to diagnose seriously ill hospital patients. 

Antibody tests can sometimes give a false negative result when antibodies are formed several days after a person is exposed to the virus. They can also give a false positive result when someone has developed antibodies for a different coronavirus. 

According to the latest update, the UK has 422 deaths and 8,077 infected. 

Source: di.se