Onsite Covid Testing For Businesses, Explained

One of the best ways we can be safe during the pandemic is to get Covid tests before large events or meet-ups. Businesses with large numbers of employees are essentially daily meet-ups. Therefore, Covid testing is a great way for businesses to keep their employees safe and their productivity high. Onsite Covid testing for businesses is a convenient option for companies because testing services will come to your place of business to perform tests.

How does onsite testing work?

Onsite testing with a private medical service is simple and straightforward.

• You will first have a consultation with the company to develop a testing plan that is right for your business.
• On the day of the test, registered nurses will arrive at your workplace, set up in a designated area, and perform tests on all participating employees.
• Rapid antigen and rapid PCR tests can be processed onsite with results in 30 minutes or less; RT-PCR tests must be sent to a lab for processing.
• Once the results are in, the nurses will communicate results confidentially and provide guidance as to your next steps if someone on staff does test positive.

Types of Covid-19 tests

Testing allows you to know who has contracted the virus so that you can take steps to keep everyone safe. There are three types of commercially available Covid tests to choose from, the Standard RT-PCR test, the rapid PCR test, and the rapid antigen test.

• In the RT-PCR test, any viral RNA belonging to Covid-19 is converted to DNA, then amplified and detected (PCR stands for the polymerase chain reaction, which is a technology that amplifies the amount of DNA). The results are highly accurate. However, it can take several days for test results to come back.
• The rapid PCR uses the same technology as the standard RT-PCR, but this test can be processed immediately and return results within 30 minutes.
• The antigen test looks directly for proteins on the surface of Covid viruses. It’s not quite as accurate, but it is much faster, with results in as little as 15 minutes.

One-time testing vs. ongoing testing

Any business that wants to test its employees for Covid needs to decide how frequently to do so. Let’s look at the pros and cons of getting a Covid test one time versus providing regular Covid tests for your staff.

One-time testing

Pros

• It’s a cheaper option and gives a good snapshot of who likely has the virus, especially if the Standard RT-PCR Test is used.

Cons

• Covid tests, particularly rapid tests, aren’t 100% accurate, so some results may be false negatives. If further tests are not performed, there is no way to know for sure if the results are reliable.
• The test may have been performed too soon after someone contracted Covid, as well. It can take several days for the viral load to build up to detectable levels in the body.
• It’s also possible that people could contract the virus after the test. As above, if further tests are not performed, the virus could enter your workplace after all tests are completed.

Ongoing testing

Pros

• It has a built-in “safety net,” meaning if one test is a false negative, then subsequent tests will reveal the discrepancy.
• It also makes rapid testing more viable, as the increased quantity of tests will compensate for the lower accuracy rate.
• Even though it costs more, it can lead to fewer business disruptions and increased productivity.

Cons

• It will be more expensive to regularly provide tests, although many onsite medical services offer progressive discounts depending on company size and testing frequency.

Professional testing vs. self-reported testing

A business also needs to decide whether they want to hire a professional service to help with testing or whether they want to rely on employees to self-test and self-report their results.

Professional testing

Pros

• Trained, registered nurses will perform the tests, increasing their accuracy and effectiveness.
• They will also make sure that all tests are conducted in compliance with local regulations and privacy rules.
• If one company does all the testing, the results will come back at the same time, as well.
• If someone tests positive, the nurse can provide guidance as to the next steps the company needs to take to protect the rest of their staff.
• Employees are also more likely to get tests when it’s convenient and free to them, which will help fewer employees get sick.

Cons

• Professionally-administered tests are a more expensive option for employers.

DIY or Self-reported Testing

Pros

• It may be cheaper for the business, as employees are responsible for any costs.

Cons

• It shifts the onus of testing to the employees, which could be burdensome on their time off and therefore lower morale.
• Employees concerned about missing days or punitive measures may either not get tested or self-report false results, thereby spreading the virus through the business.

Onsite Covid testing for businesses with a professional service can help a business to remain as safe as possible by allowing for convenient tests that are performed onsite. The only potential downside is price, but again, this is an investment that will likely pay itself off in the long run, as it minimizes disruptions to business and raises morale.

Related:

• 8 Benefits Of Onsite Covid-19 Testing For Your Business
• The Differences Between The Types Of COVID-19 Tests
• Safe & Easy Rapid Antigen Testing For COVID-19 At Home
• Do You Need To Test Kids For Covid Before They Start School In Phoenix?
• What Is The SalivaDirect Covid-19 Test?
• Should You Get A Rapid COVID-19 Test, And What Are Your Options?
• 5 Benefits Of In-Home Covid-19 Testing For Families With Children
• The Hidden Benefits Of In-Home COVID Testing You Haven’t Thought About
• Demystifying The COVID-19 Antibody Test