A COMPANY incorporated in Belfast less than six months ago says it expects by Easter to fulfil more than 20,000 orders of its rapid saliva test for Covid-19 which gives results within 15 minutes.
Alpha PH says its IRIS test, the first of its kind to be released in Northern Ireland, is designed to deliver reliable results within minutes, based on the provision of a small saliva sample, and is clinically more accurate at detecting the virus than a nasal swab test, offering a 99.5 per cent rate of clinical accuracy.
The company was founded last September 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 director Kevin Sweeney said: “This is a ground-breaking development in current Covid-19 testing in Northern Ireland. Offering a minimally invasive testing alternative to nasal swab tests, while delivering even more accurate results, the saliva rapid test is easy to implement.
“An accurate, affordable, rapid testing solution, it will have a key role to play in the safe re-opening of our society and workplaces.”
He added: “As we move forward, continued Covid testing will play a crucial role in detecting and containing the virus within society, limiting further spreading of the virus as the vaccination programme continues to roll out to the wider public.
“The IRIS saliva rapid test can significantly help to prevent the spread of Covid by quickly and accurately diagnosing both symptomatic and asymptomatic people within a 15-minute frame.
“With its ease of use, performance and price point, it’s a game-changer when it comes to Covid testing, providing an ideal testing solution that can help to get the economy back to normal, by ensuring safety and peace of mind for individuals, customers and workforces across the country.”
Since launching its swab test in September, Alpha has already sold 53,000 units to companies, sporting organisations, healthcare facilities and individuals both in Northern Ireland, Ireland and further afield.
The IRIS saliva test costs £30.99 for a single unit, but can be bought in bulk (details at www.alphatestkits.com) at a cheaper unit price.
Headquartered at Bitonto in the south west of Italy, millions of people have already benefited from Alpha Pharma’s diagnostic technology.
