Nantwich healthcare firm invests in new lateral flow tests

Nantwich-based healthcare company Everything Genetic Ltd has invested into a diagnostics technology start-up, which could revolutionise “lateral flow” testing.

The start-up founders say there idea will “hack and digitise” the $7bn global lateral flow diagnostics market.

James Price, CEO of Everything Genetic in Beam Heath Way, says the innovative device minimises user error and at least doubles test sensitivity through digitally reporting COVID test results.

It is expected to be in wide circulation across the UK by the Winter.

The ‘cost effective’ digital readout tech can be retro-fitted into more than 200 manufacturers’ existing lateral flow tests.

It also makes the process less burdensome by automating it, saving users 5-10 minutes every time they take a test.

And they say it also removes the risk of individuals mistakenly interpreting results or falsely claiming positive results when self-reporting.

Price believes the investment has built upon the foundations of life-sciences advancements during the pandemic.

“Currently, self-reporting of COVID testing through lateral flow devices is open to a multitude of problems,” said Mr Price.

“According to Government data, there are around three quarters of a million lateral flow tests being undertaken daily.

“Either through malpractice or simply mistakenly interpreting the result, just one in a hundred misread tests could result in 7,500 people potentially continuing to spread the virus among the population.

“If we’re to ease restrictions without further spikes of the virus, we’ll need more traceable and accurate reporting of where COVID is in circulation.

“That’s where these devices come into play.

“They digitise the process and have the potential to be used in homes across the country or in ports and airports – spotting emergent cases and variants before they even land on our shores.”

Everything Genetic has been working with more than 200 corporate partners on Covid testing since the start of the pandemic and has processed more than 200,000 samples over the past 10 months.

The latest investment represents an overhaul of Everything Genetic’s business practices, added Mr Price.

“As a company, going from taking inward investment, to pushing out external investment in emergent tech such as this is a significant shift.

“Up until now, the company’s history was predominantly focused on genetic testing for cancers.

“Fitting the business’ long-term vision, we want to take that approach, combined with everything we’ve learnt during the pandemic, and apply it to other areas of diagnostics and healthcare.

“It’s a really exciting time for the business and life-sciences generally across the UK, but we’re really keen to bring the device to market and revolutionise at-home testing.

“But ultimately, we want to add an extra layer of defence to the country’s fight against COVID and ensure the easing of restrictions is made permanent.”