Coronavirus: World’s Largest Home Antibody Study Suggests Disease in 6% of UK Population

At least 3.2 million people England According to the first result of the government’s home antibody testing program, it is infected with coronavirus.

A finger stick test submitted by more than 100,000 volunteers nationwide between June 20 and July 13 suggests that 6% of the population was previously infected with the virus.

Currently, there are no approved finger stick tests for personal use outside the research setting, but many of the tests used in the program-showing results within 15 minutes at home-are sufficient for home use. Simultaneous studies that proved to be accurate and simple may increase their widespread availability potential in the future.

According to findings published by, the distribution of the virus was very uneven across the country and among those of different ethnic groups and ages Imperial College London..

To London, 13% of the population had antibodies, but in the southwest this number was only 3%. The prevalence of infection was 2% higher in poorer areas than in the richest, with 1 in 20 infected.

Blacks, on the other hand, were more than three times as likely to be infected with the virus as whites, with 17% and 5% testing positive in these groups, respectively. One in eight Asians developed the antibody.

Elderly people were advised to stay home during the majority of the pandemic, so only 3% of those over the age of 65 were found to be infected with the virus, and patients aged 18 to 35 may have the antibody. The sex was the highest.

About 17% of those working in nursing homes affected by the pandemic are infected with the virus, and the number has fallen to 12% among healthcare workers. Over 620 deaths of NHS staff and social care workers Linked to coronavirus..

“Thanks to the contributions of the tens of thousands of people, we have shown…the infection in the UK has spread very unevenly,” said lead author Helen Ward, “to protect people. “A wave of future infections that need to do more and more.”

Almost everyone with confirmed cases Coronavirus Antibodies were tested positive, but were found in this study, but it remains unclear whether this will prevent reinfection.

One-third of patients with antibodies report asymptomatic, with nearly halving in those over the age of 65.

“We are very pleased to meet you,” said Graham Cook, Imperial College London.

“Using the finger stick test, which is suitable for large-scale home testing, has provided clear insights into the spread of the virus in the country and those at greatest risk.

“These data will have important implications for the decision to relax blockades in England.”

Survey results show a slight decrease in infection rates Previously calculated by the government Via a small sample of blood donation, Suggested 17% of Londoners were infected by the end of April. This is the same proportion as in Stockholm, where the government favored herd immunity strategies and avoided blockades.

Health Minister Edward said, “A large-scale antibody research study is important to understand how the virus has spread throughout the country and whether there are certain more vulnerable groups. Arger.

“We don’t yet know that antibodies provide immunity to the coronavirus, but the more information we can collect about this virus and the more people are able to participate in these studies, the better we can respond. Will be like.

“The British people have already played a major role in helping to keep our country safe. I have seen many important oversights in the coming months as part of our country’s testing activities. I invite you to consider signing up for one of the surveys.”

The study will be repeated in the fall, testing an additional 200,000 for antibodies.