Accelerator company PocDoc launching COVID-19 rapid testing for Edinburgh Airport trial

DigitalHealth.London Accelerator company PocDoc, a digital healthcare business and leading end-to-end COVID-19 testing solution, is launching a trial with BioSure and Edinburgh Airport to provide “fit to fly” certificates.

The pre-departure rapid testing used to tell people if they have a current COVID-19 infection with results in 15 minutes, will be trialled at Edinburgh Airport as part of recovery planning for aviation.

The week-long trial is the first of its kind, deploying saliva-based on-the-spot rapid testing in an airport setting, and will demonstrate how rapid testing can be scaled at airports. The tests only requiring a saliva sample, mean no nasal swab, and therefore a less invasive testing experience. 

PocDoc and BioSure are running the trial, delivering an end-to-end testing solution using the new Vatic KnowNow™ saliva antigen test. 

The trial, which will be open to staff and volunteers due to low passenger numbers, will demonstrate how testing can be scaled at airports and will potentially add to the testing capability already in place at Edinburgh Airport.

The digitally enabled rapid antigen testing for departing passengers at airports delivers a true “all-in” solution. The storing of results and issuing of “fit to fly” certificates in real time via the PocDoc app will ensure a greater amount of safer travel as we look forward to post-lockdown travel restrictions easing.

PocDoc CEO & Founder, Steve Roest, said: 

“COVID-19 has seen the travel industry brought to its knees, but with international travel set to commence again in May, we are hopeful for a much happier year for the sector. Everyone is aware of the extent of the testing problem and we believe PocDoc has found a solution. The very quick, reliable, cost effective and safe service will help unlock travel and provide a massive boost to consumers and travel operators alike. To book a test, all you need to do is visit https://www.mypocdoc.co.uk/workplace-screening/’’

“Being part of this year’s DigitalHealth.London Accelerator programme has already been transformational for PocDoc. The support they have provided us with securing trials such as this one at Edinburgh Airport has been invaluable as we scale.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “We know testing will be part of our travelling future, so it makes absolute sense that we look at how that is possible in an airport environment as we prepare for aviation’s recovery.

Although there is a lack of detail on when that recovery might be able to take place, we are going to do all we can as an airport to make sure we put processes in place, so we are in the strongest position possible when conditions allow.

This trial with PocDoc and BioSure will provide some insight into rapid, efficient and affordable testing and we will study the findings before deciding our next steps.”

BioSure CEO & Founder, Brigette Bard, said: “Due to our unique expertise in self-testing over the past 6 years, BioSure fully understands the need for simple, accurate and cost-effective tests that can deliver real results in real time.

Through our collaboration with Vatic, we are thrilled to be supporting sectors across the board, including workplace settings, aviation and events, to find elegant solutions that can help reunite people and re-open the economy. The totally unique KnowNow Saliva Antigen Test will only identify current, live infection and is simple and pain-free to administer – critical for successful mass testing .”    

PocDoc is currently one of 20 digital health companies on the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator programme.

The DigitalHealth.London Accelerator is a collaborative programme funded by London’s three Academic Health Science Networks – UCL Partners, Imperial College Health Partners, and the Health Innovation Network, MedCity, CW+ and receives match funding from the European Regional Development Fund.