A WEYMOUTH-based pharmaceutical company company has launched an “affordable” lateral flow test which they believe will “transform the market” as free NHS testing comes to an end.
Medisave, based in Weymouth, has announced the launch of their self-test kit for only 99p.
The UK Government-approved Covid test kit offers results within 15 minutes.
Medisave, a global company which has its UK headquarters at the Mercery Road business park, said the kits are suitable for carrying out self-testing at home and in workplaces.
A spokesperson for the firm said that Medisave is "excited" to be announcing the launch, which they say will transform the market.
It comes as the Government prepares to bring an end to the current NHS free testing scheme, which previously enabled people to order lateral flow test kits to be delivered to their homes.
Medisave said its Covid test kits have been approved by the government and can now be ordered online for next-day delivery.
The company, a global medical supplier with a focus on bulk supply and low cost, said its tests will be "several times cheaper" than many high street chemists.
The minimally-invasive tests require the user to swab their lower nostril only, without the need for a healthcare professional. The kit includes one Covid antigen test cassette; one pre-filled extraction buffer solution; disposable sterile swab; biohazard specimen bag, and instruction guide.
The test is designed for use by patients suspected of having Covid-19 within the first seven days of the onset of symptoms, such as headache, fever, cough, sore throat, loss of the sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, muscle pain. Meanwhile the test can also be applied for individuals without symptoms.
Graham Wright, managing director of Medisave said: "Medisave believes that this low-cost Covid 19 test kit will transform the affordability of the UK market and ensures affordability for individuals and workplaces following the government announcement that free testing will end on April 1 2022. "
The tests can be ordered online from www.medisave.co.uk/covid-lateral-flow-test.html
It comes as the main Covid testing site for Dorset will close while coronavirus cases across Dorset surge.
The licence to use Creekmoor Park and Ride site in Poole includes an extension until the end of the year.
However, as part of the Government’s national policy, the testing facility will be stood down on Friday, April 1.
A spokesperson from UK Health Security Agency said: “From 1 April, free symptomatic tests for the general public will end. Instead, there will be limited symptomatic testing available to a small number of at-risk groups – further details on which groups will be eligible will be published in due course.
“As set out in Living with Covid, free symptomatic testing will remain for social care staff."
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