We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App





Finger-Prick Blood Test Identifies Immunity to COVID-19

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Sep 2022

Recent efforts to identify those least protected from COVID-19 reinfection have focused on quantifying antibodies recognizing the surface spike protein of SARS-CoV2. More...

Although measuring antibodies on a larger scale in a population is relatively easy, the levels do not give the full picture of protection from re-infection, especially as variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge. Now, a simple finger-prick test that measures the presence of immune T cells which can recognize SARS-CoV-2 will help determine which individuals are most vulnerable, and who might need more focused interventions such as repeated booster vaccinations.

Over 300 volunteers were recruited from across the UK in early 2022 to assess the novel test developed by ImmunoServ Ltd. (Cardiff, UK) in close collaboration with Cardiff University (Cardiff, UK). The test used a simple finger-prick blood sample collected at home and sent to a laboratory by post allowing anyone within the UK to be part of the study. Individuals with the largest T cell response to the virus were best protected from COVID-19 over the following three months, regardless of their levels of antibodies to the virus.

The study highlighted the potential for more accurate assessment of an individual’s immunity to COVID-19. The new test brings the focus away from ‘just measured’ antibody responses to take into account T cell mediated immunity. The Cardiff team say their work highlights the need to assess how long immune responses persist in the population, with uncertainty around whether repeated booster vaccinations will be required in future, and who will need them.

“Many individuals worry about their risk of contracting COVID-19, whether they have been previously vaccinated or not,” said Dr. Martin Scurr, lead author of the study. “Our test identified that it is the level of T cell response induced by prior vaccination or infection that associated with the risk of that individual contracting COVID-19 in the months following the blood test.”

“Long-term immunity screening using such a test would allow us to monitor longevity of responses that prevent COVID-19 and identify the most vulnerable members of our society who may need earlier booster vaccinations,” added Andrew Godkin, Professor of Experimental Medicine and Immunology at Cardiff University and co-senior author of the work.

Related Links:
ImmunoServ Ltd. 
Cardiff University 


Gold Member
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Sample-To-Answer Test
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Cartridge (CE-IVD)
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Shaking Incubator
Corning LSE 71L
New
C-Reactive Protein Rapid Test
Afinion CRP
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Non-coding RNAs CBR3-AS1 and PCA3 can be utilized as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Promising Molecular Markers Support Earlier Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer

Late detection continues to make gastric cancer one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. With improved early detection tools urgently needed, researchers have now identified two long... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The tip optofluidic immunoassay platform enables rapid, multiplexed antibody profiling using only 1 μL of fingertip blood (Photo courtesy of hLife, DOI:10.1016/j.hlife.2025.04.005)

POC Diagnostic Platform Performs Immune Analysis Using One Drop of Fingertip Blood

As new COVID-19 variants continue to emerge and individuals accumulate complex histories of vaccination and infection, there is an urgent need for diagnostic tools that can quickly and accurately assess... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Microscopy image of invasive breast cancer cells degrading their underlying extracellular matrix (Photo courtesy of University of Turku)

Visualization Tool Illuminates Breast Cancer Cell Migration to Suggest New Treatment Avenues

Patients with breast cancer who progress from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) face a significantly worse prognosis, as metastatic disease remains incurable.... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The machine learning-based method delivers near-perfect survival estimates for PAC patients (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

AI Method Predicts Overall Survival Rate of Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PAC) accounts for 99% of prostate cancer diagnoses and is the second most common cancer in men globally after skin cancer. With more than 3.3 million men in the United States diagnosed... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.