[LISTEN] Green light given for SA's first Covid-19 antibody test

Dr. Andrea Julsing-Keyter, SAHPRA’s Senior Manager: Medical Devices and Radiation Control, says they receive d a large number of applications for approval of antibody tests, but many of these were not consistently reliable in their results. 

However, the regulatory body has now given the go-ahead for the use of a rapid results test produced by a Joahnnesburg-based company Tip Top Trade. 

Zhejiang Orient Gene Biotech is the original manufacturer of the test. 

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"This was the first antibody test, which is a finger-prick test...that SAHPRA has authorized for use based on the good performance of this test," says Julsing-Keyte. 

Listen  to Dr. Julsing-Keyter  below: 

The Department of Health is set to publish guidelines for Covid-19 testing soon, which will based on input from the ministerial advisory committee on Covid-19. 

Julsing-Keyter says while they don't' have a timeline for this, they expect it to be published "eminently". 

Listen  to Dr. Julsing-Keyter  below: 

She notes that while an antibody test will indicate whether a person has been infected with Covid-19 in the past, it doe snot mean they cannot be re-infected. 

"It's really important to realise that even though you have antibodies you still need to practice wearing your mask, social distancing, (and) washing your hands."

Additionally, the antibody test will have to be conducted by a medical professional.