A WARRINGTON lab is claiming it can test for coronavirus in as quick as 15 minutes with a four-step home kit.

AlphaBiolabs, based in Westbrook, says a 'simple finger-prick' can detect whether you have the virus before symptoms appear.

The website claims the home test 'is one of the world's first for the detection of a coronavirus infection' and is charging £125 plus VAT for the kit.

It states: 'The simple-to-use immunoassay testing device can be administered in your home or office address and requires a small amount of blood from a simple finger prick. You can get the results within 15 minutes.

'The accurate screening IgM-IgG Combined Antibody Rapid Test is one of the world’s first for the detection of a coronavirus infection.

'It is similar to the type that was widely used by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to help identify COVID-19 infections.

'The qualitative test works by detecting both early and late marker antibodies in human finger-prick blood samples.

'As such, it can also provide information on the stage of infection.'

David Thomas, managing director of AlphaBiolabs, told the Liverpool Echo: “This rapid immunoassay-based test can detect the presence of a Covid-19 infection without using expensive private clinics or relying on an already-stretched NHS.

“Recent studies suggest that a high percentage of patients show no clinical symptoms, which is why the spread of coronavirus is creating major logistical and operational problems for businesses, with no way of predicting how long the pandemic will last or the impact it will have.

"Human resources teams are having to deal with the physical and emotional concerns of their staff while continuing to perform their duties in this climate of uncertainty.

“Immediate results are essential if employees need to be isolated or quarantined.”