- JPG
Returning to Work Safely: A Use Case for Antibody Testing
Updated: Jun 3, 2020
A use case for antibody testing as a standalone screening program:
· All employees returning to work are screened using a symptom questionnaire
· Those employees who are asymptomatic are eligible to be tested
· People who are symptomatic can be tested for antibodies 14 days after symptoms
· Antibody test results (conducted on employees who are symptom-free)
· If the test is positive for Ig G only, the person can return to duty
· If the test reveals a mixed antibody response, the person remains out for 14 more days
· A repeat antibody test is done to confirm only Ig G is present
· If the test is negative, the person can return to duty
· If respiratory symptoms arise, the person should be removed from duty
· Repeat antibody testing after 7 days
Comprehensive COVID-19 Testing Program:
Leveraging the strengths of antibody and viral antigen testing provides employers the most robust testing solution for COVID-19. Antibody tests look for exposure, and antigen test looks for contagion. Looking at staging these two tests affords a company a program that provides objective proof of immunity status and contagion.
The use case for a blended comprehensive program looks like this:
· All employees returning to work are screened using a symptom questionnaire
· Those employees who are asymptomatic are eligible to be tested
· People who are symptomatic can be tested for 14 days after resolution of symptoms
· The initial test is an antibody test (conducted on employees who are symptom-free)
· If the test is positive, an immediate viral antigen test is conducted
· If the test is negative, the person can return to workplace duties
· For those who are antibody positive
· If the viral antigen test is negative, this person can return to duty
· This person is likely immune to COVID-19
· If the viral antigen test is positive, the person should be removed from duty
· Repeat antibody testing after 7 days

Contact Jim Grimmer jpgrimmer@att.net for more information