Government

Covid 19 testing

COVID-19

testing in the workplace

Testing for COVID-19 is a reality for many workplaces where employees are in close contact with each other or with the public. With a little planning, your COVID-19 lab testing program can be a convenient, cost-effective way to ensure the health of your employees.
read more about medical supplies

Consider testing on-site instead of relying on a reference lab

If an employee is positive for COVID-19, you want to know as quickly as possible. Many reference labs require a 48-to-72-hour turnaround time for test results – and in high-density or critical settings, workers risk exposing others while waiting for results. Employees who receive positive results for an on-site lab test can self-isolate quickly, limiting spread in your workplace.

​

Molecular, antigen or serology: Which type of testing is right for you?

Implementing a testing program in your workplace

Follow these steps to implement a workplace testing program that works for you:​
  • Think about your organization’s patient population. Who do you need to test for COVID-19, and why?
  • Understand what lab instruments and test menus are currently available to your organization
  • Decide on your lab testing strategy. Does it make sense to test workers at the point of care, or will you need to send tests out to a central lab and wait for results?
  • Consider improvements to make testing efficient and cost-effective, such as changes to your test menu, new instruments, formularies or staff training
  • Work with a knowledgeable distributor to help you implement and manage your testing program

Molecular testing

Molecular analyzers test for active infection using NAAT viral RNA. COVID-19 molecular tests are the most sensitive of the three options, offering accurate results with a quick turnaround time. These systems tend to cost in the 100 SEK – 430 SEK per test range.

Antigen testing

COVID-19 antigen tests identify active infections using viral spike proteins. With high accuracy and fast turnaround time, you can expect to pay in the range of 11 SEK – 25 SEK per test for an antigen reader or lateral flow rapid test kit. CLIA-waived options include BOSON, Acon Labs and JOYSBIO (Tianjin) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Serology testing

Serology testing identifies past COVID-19 infection exposure using IGM/IGG antibodies. It’s a cost-effective method, offering a high degree of accuracy for in the range of 12 SEK – 25 SEK per test. For example, Biotech’s system for fingerstick whole blood testing and offers results in less than 15 minutes.