Testing to determine past infection

[Branster]

I haven’t identified a thread about this so apologies if this is a repeat.
On Question Time last week, we were told that new tests will be made available to identify infections. As I understood it, this was about the current testing method.
BUT there was also clear mention of a different type of testing, a blood test, finger prick type which will also become available.
It wasn’t clear when it will become available, where or how will testing be done.
My question is, if you have knowledge about the second type as described above, do you know if this identifies that a person had a random infection by any virus or would it clearly show if a person has been infected with this particular type of Corona virus?

We don’t actually know if reinfection is possible or if consequent infections display weaker symptoms.

If this mythical test identifies a(ny) previous viral infection as opposed specific Corona infection, we could all become complacent about the seriousness of this disease.

Even if one becomes totally or partially immune by surviving an initial infection, they will still definitely be carriers.

I am guessing the scientists developing it have considered this, and it will be distributed only if the benefits are deemed to outweigh the risks.

I believe it would be looking for specific antibiodies,
if they can do it it would be fantastic

They’ve devised tests for this specific corona virus. Matt Hancock said in his briefing today that they are busy buying up as many as possible so from that I assume they’re ready and they work well enough to be mass produced. They’ve been developed at Porton Down who also developed the test for active Coronavirus.

It’s public health England who have developed both tests, British scientists excel in this area of science.

It would be specific antibodies against this virus, not viruses in general.

Thank you for your very useful information.
We’ll wait for the testing campaign to start then. I hope it won’t encourage people to remain or become cavalier about the dangers of infection To others especially as we don’t know how much, if any, immunity we could develop on our own.

If it's an antibody test, then what it will show is whether you do have immunity to Covid19. So if you caught it but didn't become immune, the antibody test would be negative (from my understanding anyway).

If you can't catch it, you have a much lower risk of spreading it, although you could potentially carry it on your clothes etc if you had close contact with an affected person.

I think the benefits would be immense: it could free up more health workers and could allow immune family members to visit their dying relatives for a start.