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- Life science company Cellmid (CDY) says its first shipment of its SARS-CoV-2 rapid diagnostic tests has arrived in Sydney
- The majority of the 12,000 tests are planned to be sold to medical practitioners while a few will be held for external testing and research
- Cellmid’s test can detect levels of immunoglobulin, which are critical in protecting the body against infections
- Results can be produced in as little as 15 minutes
- Cellmid shares have dropped 16.7 per cent and are currently trading for 25 cents each
Life science company Cellmid (CDY) says its first shipment of its SARS-CoV-2 rapid diagnostic tests has arrived in Sydney.
The majority of the 12,000 tests will be sold to medical practitioners, while a few will be held by Cellmid for external testing and research.
Cellmid’s SARS-CoV-2 test can quickly produce results in as little as 15 minutes.
The test can detect levels of IgG (immunoglobulin G) and IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies, which are critical in protecting the body and act as the first line of defence.
IgG is the most common type of antibody (which neutralises pathogens such as viruses and bacteria) and protects the body against viral and bacterial infections.
IgM is the largest antibody and is the first to appear and fight when something foreign enters the body.
People with low levels of IgG and IgM have a higher risk of foreign antibodies entering their body, and a consequently higher risk of developing problems such as gastrointestinal, respiratory and ear infections, and pneumonia.
These low levels also make it more difficult to fight off these infections once they are in the body.
Cellmid’s SARS-CoV-2 test takes a blood sample, which enables clinicians to detect if these levels are low, and take immediate action before COVID-19 (or any other infections) can take hold.
Depending on the levels of the immunoglobulin, treatment may vary but currently, the most common measure is taking antibiotics daily to ward off any infections before any serious damage is caused.
Cellmid shares have dropped 16.7 per cent and are trading for 25 cents each at 12:34 pm AEST.
