While the coronavirus antibody testing is becoming much more readily available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is cautioning employers against basing employment decisions on whether to “return persons to the workplace” solely on testing.
Following the EEOC’s go-ahead for employers to screen workers for the coronavirus before allowing them to enter the workplace, the CDC has released new guidance for antibody testing.
While more than 200 antibody tests have flooded the market, the CDC is asking employers to choose tests that are accurate, reliable and, most important, FDA-approved.
Labs offer return-to-work services
A big reason antibody testing is becoming increasingly accessible is that LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics – which each have thousands of locations across the U.S. – are fast becoming the go-to places for testing.
Both labs use tests that are FDA-approved. LabCorp is using the Abbott and Roche tests, while Quest is using Abbott and Euroimmum tests. Both are also offering return-to-work programs.
“Lots of different industries are wondering how to get back to work safely,” said Quest Chief Medical Officer Jay Wohlgemuth.
Quest’s Return to Work program offers on-site temperature checks, antibody or swab testing collection, health questionnaires and digital platforms to access results. The lab also has a plan for small firms. Its self-service model offers self-swab strategies and numerous collections locations.
LabCorp’s return-to-work program offers employee check-in health questionnaires, temperature screens, and both on-site and off-site COVID-19 test collection.
Its service also gives employers access to its Euroimmum fingerstick antibody test – a convenient way to test large numbers of employees as part of a return-to-work program.
