What do you get when you combine water treatment technology, a global pandemic and collaboration? A made-in-Canada rapid antibody test that can be used to detect COVID-19 antibodies in blood. We’re excited to introduce Lumivi Diagnostics LP, a Canadian joint venture between Suncor and Immune Response Diagnostics Inc., an affiliate of International Point of Care (IPOC), a Toronto-based company that specializes in manufacturing rapid point-of-care tests. Point-of-care testing is a form of testing where analysis is performed by a healthcare provider. 

Early in the pandemic, Suncor began exploring how we could use our technical expertise and collaborate with health agencies and scientists to contribute to Canada’s response to COVID-19. This work included joint efforts between Suncor experts and Western University to explore the potential to repurpose wastewater treatment technology for virus-identifying test kits. While Lumivi test kits use a different technology, this cross-sector work is the foundation of the Lumivi joint venture. 

The test assesses if a person has had prior exposure to the virus and their body’s defense system has produced antibodies in response. It provides results in 15 minutes and has a sensitivity and specificity greater than 98 per cent. While medical understanding and evidence regarding individual immunity to COVID-19 is still evolving, we are aware of the value of having access to reliable, quick antibody testing options in Canada and we believe these kits will play an important role in our country’s ongoing pandemic response. We need all layers of protection to fight COVID-19 and keep Canadians safe. 

 “We’ve heard from medical professionals that having access to reliable, quick antibody testing options in Canada will play an increasing role in our country’s ongoing pandemic response and efforts to re-open the economy,” says Joe Vetrone, senior vice president, operations services. “In fact, as a major employer in Canada, we see the benefit of adding rapid serology testing into our operations as an additional layer of protection against COVID-19.”

infographic reading what is the test called, what is the sampling method, how fast are the results, what do the tests show, and what cant the tests do?

 “This work is an example of our purpose in action – we’re leveraging a wide variety of internal expertise in commercializing new technology at scale, and collaborating with other industries, governments and academia to support Canada’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Joe.

device mockup of what the lumivi testing kit is going to look like
SARS-CoV-2 IgG rapid serology antibody kit

Lumivi’s SARS-CoV-2 IgG rapid antibody kit has received Health Canada authorization and is now available for use by health care professionals in support of their comprehensive COVID-19 testing portfolios with expected delivery in mid-July. 

Suncor, Lumivi and Immune Response Diagnostics will continue to work with health authorities, provincial and federal governments to determine the possibility of further roll out of antibody testing in support of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including collaborative, industry-led efforts like the Creative Destruction Lab rapid testing pilots. Suncor is also a member of cross-sector coalitions that are focused on increasing vaccine confidence in Canada, including Faster, Together!
Interested in learning more about Lumivi? Check out the website at: www.lumivi.com