RE: Many posters clueless on differences antibody vs antigen3 May 2020 15:17
Totally...
Let's say this virus is around for another 2 years before we get on top of it which is looking likely.
So 104 weeks. For an individual to take an antigen test in that time, they would likely be symptomatic and how many people have had symptoms and not bothered to get tested?
Out of 104 weeks the average illness is say 2 weeks. So your market for active testing is whatever % of the population catch corona virus, show symptoms, and then bother to get tested. So out of 104 weeks, the testing window for an individual could be on average 2 weeks.So you have a test that is only relevant for a short period in the wider time frame.
The market for antibody tests is anyone that hasnt been tested positive for covid 19 for 104 weeks. How many will show a negativity test and then take multiple tests as this thing keeps circulating? The desire to get an antibody test will be greater if freedom of movement depends on it, and the ability to have one sent to your home will make it easier and more accessible, and not put you at risk by entering a zone where potentially positive people could be.
Its like choosing whether to make merchandise for a world cup, or making merchandise for Real Madrid. The world cup merchandise has its time, wheres the general merchandise is relevant in the longer term.
So far there are 3.5m confirmed cases globally out of 7.8m people, which is less than 1%. So the global market for antibody testing is greater than 99% of the population.
Don't get me wrong i think the antigen testing companies certainly have a journey. But for the reasons stated above, i strongly believe the antibody testing market is far superior in terms of opportunity, scale, access and longevity.