Written question asked by Baroness Brinton (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 18 May 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 2020. It was answered by Lord Bethell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 June 2020 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Coronavirus: Screening

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have placed a bulk order for the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests; and if so, (1) how many tests were ordered and at what cost, and (2) the quantities expected to arrive in the UK by (a) the end of May (b) mid June and (c) the end of June.

Answer: We have signed contracts to supply over 10 million tests from Roche and Abbott in the coming months. We have agreed these contracts with two suppliers whose assays have been evaluated by Public Health England and continue to engage with other companies to establish further agreements to meet our testing strategy. These contracts will secure a significant volume to meet the United Kingdom’s testing plans. Further details are commercially sensitive.

Secondary information