Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers have developed an easy-to-use test to predict COVID-19 immunity.
Their test, which uses the same “lateral flow” technology as most rapid COVID antigen tests, measures the level of neutralising antibodies that target the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a blood sample.
Easy access to this kind of test could help people determine what kind of precautions people should take against COVID infection.
The team has filed for a patent on the technology and is now hoping to partner with a diagnostic company that could manufacture the devices.
The researchers said the test could make the biggest difference for those who are immunocompromised.
The test is designed so that different viral spike proteins can be swapped in, allowing it to be modified to detect immunity against any existing or future variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Image credit | MIT
