A COMPANY incorporated in Belfast just a month ago has launched what it claims is the first rapid swab test for Covid-19 that gives test results in just 15 minutes.
The test has been brought to the Northern Ireland market by three local businesspeople, who have developed a partnership with Alpha Pharma in Italy, one of the leading bio-technology companies in the EU.
Alpha PH’s rapid swab test (www.alphatestkits.com) is conducted without the need for laboratory analysis.
And in just a month the company has secured orders for 20,000 units from companies, sporting organisations and healthcare facilities across the UK and Ireland.
Alpha PH, formed on September 17 and with an address at Moat Houe n Belfast's Bloomfield Road, secured the UK and Ireland distribution rights from Alpha Pharma.
It is currently distributing two products - the VivaDiag SARS-CoV-2Ag rapid swab antigen test and the Iris VivaDiag COVID-19 IgM IgG rapid antibody test. They retail from £21.99.
Alpha PH director Kevin Sweeney (53), who has spent 20 years working within healthcare and pharma, said: “As one of the leading bio-technology companies in the EU, Alpha Pharma is best known for its production and distribution of blood analysis systems, most commonly used in the detection and monitoring of diabetes.
“Being based in Italy, it had witnessed the devastating effects of coronavirus first-hand, and the business quickly pivoted its expertise, resources and technology to the trial and development of Covid-19 testing.”
After months of thorough research and trials, Alpha Pharma firstly launched its antibodies test in April, which has now been distributed to organisations, including hospitals and other health care facilities across the globe.
Mr Sweeney added: “Alpha Pharma’s first antibodies test is now widely used in medical settings and manufacturing in Italy and further afield, and we believe these tests could really make a difference to public bodies and companies in Northern Ireland.
“The widespread availability of accurate and appropriate diagnostic tests for Covid-19 is crucial to curtailing its spread.
“Testing is the way forward. And working with Alpha Pharma, we have created a robust supply chain for the UK and Ireland with orders delivered within days to customers incuding sporting organisations, nursing home groups and food manufacturing businesses.”
