A South Wales company has developed a a new mobile feature to facilitate the creation and sharing of digital Covid test certificates.
BBI Solutions, which employs Conservative MP Alun Cairns as an adviser, has created the feature to try and help support employers, travel providers and the safe reopening of venues and events globally.
The manufacturer’s patented Novarum technology transforms a smartphone into a diagnostics test reader, empowering users to read, share and store their results from the point of care.
The advanced technology will enable individuals to store a digital version of their Covid test on their own phone in a form that can be verified by anyone via a QR code.
Based on the Apple and Google approach for boarding passes, users will not need to install any new apps thanks to the new feature being built using a trusted existing interface compatible with all smartphones. The QR code will be stored in the wallet feature of the smartphone, allowing the individual to control access to their personal results.
The Crumlin-based company employes the former Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns as a senior adviser.
Mr Cairns, the MP for Vale of Glamorgan, is paid £15,000 a year to advise the company producing coronavirus tests for the Ƶ Government.
BBI’s Novarum technology is used to read diagnostic tests around the world, and a version of the product has just been certified with a CE (Conformité Européenne / European Conformity) mark, meaning it can be legally sold within the EU and is available for commercial distribution, to record the results of Sars-Cov-2 antibody tests and enabling independent verification of vaccination.
The additional feature will look to play a supporting role in the loosening of restrictions and reopening of the economy, with employers, venues and organisations able to scan QR codes and check an individual’s test or vaccination status.
Dr Mario Gualano, chief executive of BBI Group, said: “This is an exciting development which will prove beneficial to both individuals and businesses as the country gradually reopens after this latest lockdown.
“We are incredibly pleased to have achieved a CE mark for our innovative application; this will be a real confidence boost for global governments and private sector businesses looking to embrace the technology.”
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Dr Neil Polwart, head of Mobile at BBI Solutions, said: “Using our expertise and experience in the development and delivery of next generation diagnostic technologies within mobile health, we have created this Novarum feature to be simple, secure and shareable and with the readiness to deploy at scale within weeks. With its functionality for both antigen and antibody testing, the easy-to-use application will support test providers and users through the whole process.”
The new test certification capability developed by BBI Solutions complements its existing Novarum offerings to the diagnostics industry, supporting the taking, reading and communication of test results.
BBI says the tech can be used by anyone, anywhere, with minimal training, connecting patients and doctors, field workers, lab researchers and primary care clinicians to specialist practices as part of a mobile eco-system.
Used across a wide range of different assay formats and applications, including lateral flow and ELISA tests, the platform’s accuracy, connectivity and ease of use has been invaluable for the medical, veterinary, defence, agricultural and environmental sectors.
