Rapid Antigen Tests - Lateral Flow Tests on board Yachts
Caroline Blatter 11 Feb 2021 Antigua / Barbuda / Antigua and Barbuda / Caribbean & Central America / Medical Services / Pharmacies / Complimentary Therapies / About/General Information
Well known Medical Support Offshore (MSOS) have been closely monitoring and supporting yachts and seafarers around the globe during the COVID Pandemic.
From specialist training onboard, in Southampton, Palma or Fort Lauderdale – to regulation compliant Medical Kits, equipment - and 24/7 Telemedical Support direct to UK based Doctors – there’s not much this dynamic team can’t do!
Covid-19 continues to affect us all globally, with country protocols and travel regulations changing frequently.
With vaccines being rolled out to the most vulnerable in our communities first, if they are available at all, Yacht Crew in general are quite a way off being able to receive a vaccine.
Logistically at present this would have to be in a Country of Residence as Vaccines are not available privately.
We know from feedback from Captains, that yachts are facing increasingly complex problems managing crew and guests.
Rapid Antigen Tests detect proteins from which the virus is made. Samples are taken from the nose or throat using a swab, and results usually take 15–30 minutes to become available.
The testing procedure is quite straightforward, given some basic training, so can be undertaken on board.
These tests are not as accurate as PCR testing, which remains the ‘gold standard’.
However, Rapid Antigen Tests are useful, particularly when performed regularly, as an additional way of assessing whether someone may have Covid-19, when combined with assessment of their possible symptoms.
This means that people who are infected but asymptomatic, may be detected, and a Covid-19 outbreak prevented.
So in response to demand, MSOS have sourced Rapid Antigen Tests for SARS COVID-19 – which can be sent out to yachts in locations around the world.
Documents, training videos and Standard Operating Procedures for client testing are included, to support responsible and effective testing.
Even more exceptional, is that MSOS are not looking to profit from these problems that affect all of us – following the excellent examples from around the world of people and companies stepping up to help our communities to survive this pandemic.
All proceeds from these sales are being donated equally to four chosen charities:
- Yachting Gives Back
- Save The MED Foundation
- The Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust
- Médecins Sans Frontieres
* To date, over £100,000 has been donated to MSOS’s Charity Fund *
With the utmost respect, we commend you Dr Spike Briggs and the MSOS team.
For further Information, contact MSOS in the UK:
Tel: +44 2381 787 05
Email: admin@msos.org.uk
