The Omicron Variant and SureScreen COVID-19 Antigen Tests

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In November 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) named Omicron, also called B.1.1.529, a variant of concern.

Research has suggested that the Omicron variant is more easily transmissible than previous variants, including Delta. Nevertheless, generally, the infection causes less severe disease than previous variants.

There was understandable concern that some tests and vaccines may not be effective with the new variant. However, in December 2021, the news broke that current COVID-19 vaccines work against the variant, and most tests still work.

We are pleased to announce that both versions of SureScreen’s SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen lateral flow test achieved the maximum possible clinical sensitivity for the Omicron variant compared to RT-PCR from an anterior nasal swab. However, every positive specimen detected by RT-PCR also gave a positive result on the lateral flow assay for the three identified Omicron lineages. Hence, the lateral flow test does not discriminate between these lineages, nor can it distinguish between them. Furthermore, the maximum sensitivity was achieved for PCR Ct values up to 26 (the highest Ct value from the 30 specimens).

At SureScreen, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and any possible variants of concern.

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Hear from some of our clients...

We have been working with William and his team at Surescreen throughout 2021 for the supply of LFD test kits for our colleagues across c40 sites in UK and Ireland - (currently around 300,000 test kits). Initially William was invaluable in talking us through the different types of test kits available and once we agreed to use Surescreen as a supplier, the service we have received from the whole team has been second to none, through ordering to despatch - deliveries were made on time and in full and any queries quickly addressed and resolved. William is always available to take calls and answer any questions, as well as give advice on the test kits, would have no hesitation in recommending. - Smurfit Kappa
Premiership Rugby and our Clubs have been working with Tom and the SureScreen team since March 2021. We have always received professional and prompt responses to all of our queries and orders. The customer service from the team can not be faulted and would and have recommended them to others. - Premiership Rugby
Excellent service! - PO Medica AB
We have close and swift access to SureScreen sales representatives and received prompt answers to questions and impeccable deliveries.

Regulatory CE-marking was not available due to the rapid development of the pandemic and lack of time, but considerable work efforts were made to overcome these hurdles.

We are generally very satisfied with product quality and deliveries. - Endovab Care
We have been ordering the SureScreen Antigen test for many months now and are extremely happy with the prompt and professional service we have been receiving. Abdal has been extremely helpful and responsive to any questions we have. The test kits are easy to use with clear instructions. - Intermedical (UK) Ltd.
My cooperation is with William Smith, we purchase Surescreen fast tests. I can only say all the best, he is replying very fast and things we need are done ASAP. He is always ready to discuss any issues we have (not that we have a lot), but still. He is giving us all the support we need. He was kind enough to help us with getting on EU list (still waiting, but getting there), which was really nice as we need it to keep selling the tests. It is a pleasure to work with him.

For any more questions I am available.

I wish you all a very nice day
Barbara Kelbl - Euromed d.o.o.
We have been working with William and his team at Surescreen throughout 2021 for the supply of LFD test kits for our colleagues across c40 sites in UK and Ireland - (currently around 300,000 test kits). Initially William was invaluable in talking us through the different types of test kits available and once we agreed to use Surescreen as a supplier, the service we have received from the whole team has been second to none, through ordering to despatch - deliveries were made on time and in full and any queries quickly addressed and resolved. William is always available to take calls and answer any questions, as well as give advice on the test kits, would have no hesitation in recommending. - Smurfit Kappa
Premiership Rugby and our Clubs have been working with Tom and the SureScreen team since March 2021. We have always received professional and prompt responses to all of our queries and orders. The customer service from the team can not be faulted and would and have recommended them to others. - Premiership Rugby