Smart DNA launches COVID-19 antibody, immunity test kits

SMART DNA, a Lagos-based genetic testing company, has launched antibody and immunity test kits for COVID-19 in collaboration with UK laboratory firm, AlphaBiolabs, to help people know their immunity level.

At a press conference, yesterday, in Maryland, Lagos, Head of Business Development, Bukola Ogunsanwo, said the company decided to introduce the antibody test into the Nigerian market to empower individuals and their physicians to make decisions about their risks of infection and of spreading the virus.

Ogunsanwo disclosed that the antibody test would analyse samples of patients’ blood to detect the presence of COVID-19-specific antibodies, including immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common type of antibody.

She said the report would provide a quantitative result that relates to the level of COVID-19 antibodies within a sample and whether the level is low, medium, high or not detected.

She said: “If you order for an antibody immunity test from Smart DNA, you would be sent an easy-to-use sample collection kit to collect the blood spot sample in the comfort and privacy of your own home and return it to our laboratory for analysis.

“You can also have the sample taken at our Lagos office. With the launch of our antibody test, we hope to provide individuals and healthcare providers with better insights on immunity to COVID-19, whether from the vaccine or a previous infection.”