British public want to 'test, test, test' but conflicting information means most people don't actually understand what the results mean for them
Monday 6thJuly 2020
- 63% of people in the UK want to take an antibody test according to new survey
- However there is clear confusion in terms of what a 'good' antibody test result looks like
- Demonstrated by 21% feeling 'relieved' by the news that they have no Covid-19 antibodies
- So why do people want these tests?
- The study found that 48% of the survey group felt under pressure to return to work by their employer
- Yet only 15% trusted their employer to implement the proper practices and protocols
PRESS RELEASE:
A new study of UK consumers commissioned by Blok BioScience found that 63% of people would be certain or very likely to want to take an antibody test, while also revealing that a high percentage of the same group were unclear on what the results actually mean.
Testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies suggests you've already come into contact with the virus, but responses to the survey showed that most people don't realise this and would instead be relieved at a ‘negative' result. This is despite testing negative for antibodies meaning they continue to be at risk of contracting the virus.
Further findings revealed that testing negative for coronavirus antibodies would cause a positive emotion in 66% of people surveyed, with an additional 21% feeling indifferent to the news.
Of this 66% a third of people would be ‘relieved' (21%) by the news that they have no Covid-19 antibodies, while ‘happy' (19%) and ‘reassured' (17%) were also recorded as common emotions at the outcome.
Alternatively, when asked to name the first thing people would do if they tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies, common responses included ‘contact a doctor', ‘call 111' or ‘go to hospital'.
"We need to be really careful about the terminology we are using when talking about antibody testing to the general public as the responses from our survey group suggest they are not clear on what a ‘good result' is", said Chris Justice, President of Blok BioScience.
"Testing positive for Covid-19 long-term antibodies suggests some level of resistance to the virus, although we do not yet know to what extent. Are testing programmes failing to progress in the UK because people do not understand and see the value of this information? Rather than quibbling about accuracy, we should deploy every type of test available as widely as possible and as soon as they are ready and let the data inform research, understanding and application.
"I would also be interested in the reasons why, therefore, people are so keen to be tested for antibodies when they do not know what they want tests to show. Effort should be placed in helping people to understand why testing is so important.Let's stop waiting around and start to "test, test, test."
The study also found that just under half (48%) of the survey group felt under a high or medium amount of pressure to return to work by their employer, and furthermore only 15% trusted their employer to implement the proper practices and protocols in response to the pandemic.
With redundancies on the horizon, the concern is that the majority of Brits see antibody tests as a way to get back to work and keep their jobs, but tests alone aren't enough.
Chris Justice added: "Looking at these statistics the concern would be that people feel an antibody test is a way to return to the workplace, potentially in response to external pressure from employers, family or the upcoming changes to the Government's furlough scheme.
"Results of testing leading to negative social outcomes and a divide between ‘those who can' and ‘those who cannot' should be avoided at all costs. Instead people should feel in control of their health, better informed and hold the knowledge of what we can do at this stage of the pandemic to feel reassured to return to the workplace. Likewise, testing data should be used by employers to improve the safety of the work environment for their staff and customers to support their reintroduction. At BLOK BioScience, our approach to testing works in a smart way to protect individuals, companies and communities."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more information or interview requests, please contact Victoria Grigg -victoria.grigg@blok.solutionsor on 07885 277116.
Survey overview and methodology
- The survey was conducted among 2004 UK consumers
- At an overall level results are accurate to ± 2.2% at 95% confidence limits assuming a result of 50%
- The interviews were conducted online in June 2020 using an email invitation and an online survey
- Further breakdown of the survey demographic can be provided on request
About BLOK BioScience
BLOK BioScience is part of the BLOK Group. With a network of Global experts and a robust and far-reaching supply chain, we provide trusted and authentic solutions to help respond to the rapidly changing population wellness landscape.
Our unique combination of medical and strategic expertise, and technical knowledge results in secure and compliant solutions for tracking and verifying immunity, and we use rapid antibody testing and recording to enable government and industry to manage viral outbreaks and mitigate the economic and social effects of pandemics.