Saliva-Based Covid-19 Test Provider to Partner with ABTA

ABTA has partnered with a UK-based biotechnology business to become the first saliva-based Covid-19 test supplier.

Halo is now one of a select group of five companies to receive Abta Partner Status.

It is the only company that offers PCR testing that uses ‘spit not swab’ sampling to look for genes that are only found in Covid-19.

The tests cost £89 and include door-to-door courier and pick-up, 24-hour test analysis from the time of arrival at the laboratory, and app-based results and verification. The Halo app allows users to track the progress of the exam, and the results are directly posted to the app. They also get a verification certificate that they can download, print, or save as confirmation of exam completion.

The new alliance comes as the government announces plans to allow fully vaccinated travelers to return from amber nations without having to self-isolate beginning 19th July.

British Airways, Sofitel Hotels, Cathay Pacific, and Hilton Hotels & Resorts are among the travel and hospitality organizations with which Halo has previously formed relationships. Jonathan Biles, the company’s CEO, and founder stated: “There is no greater stamp of approval or trust in the UK travel industry than that of Abta and we are extremely proud to have their name next to ours.”

As travel became more accessible, he advocated for closer linkages between suppliers and the trade. “As we move to reopen our borders and encourage foreign travel, there needs to be greater collaboration between travel agents and testing providers to ensure that customers are clear on their testing requirements. At Halo, we are dedicated to playing our role in helping the UK travel industry take off again,” he stated

In addition, Halo has just teamed up with UCL Genomics and The Francis Crick Institute to provide for quick sequencing of positive Covid-19 test findings. The partnership will allow UK scientists to study and understand the virulence and transmissibility of novel Covid-19 strains that are causing concern.