Rapid Covid-19 home testing kit developed in Southampton hailed a 'game changer'
Report by ITV News Meridian's Stacey Poole
A pioneering Covid-19 home testing kit, which gives results within 15 minutes, could be widely available by the end of the year.
The swab test, currently being trialled at the University of Southampton, is the first of its kind in the UK.
The test has been hailed a 'game changer' after trials offered promising results.
An extended clinical trial has been carried out with 150 patient samples - 125 of those samples were positive.
Dr Collin Sones from the University of Southampton explains that if a patient has a large amount of the virus in their system then the test is 100% accurate.
If a patient has moderately high amounts of the virus then the accuracy is between 70 to 80%.
If it is produced on a mass scale, it could be used in schools, workplaces, airports and at sporting events.
Dr Collin Somes explains how the swab test works
Scientists are currently talking to manufacturers and it is hoped that within the next two months it could be made commercially available for around £5.
Dr Collin Sones says the screening tool is designed to be used frequently and should pick up people who are infectious.