Antibody testing for COVID-19 is an integral part of the public health response and is the next logical step to help guide decisions about moving forward. Click here to download the Employer/Government resource. Click here to submit a collaboration inquiry and be contacted by a BioReference representative about opportunities for laboratory services within your organization.
*Based on organization size
COVID-19: Information for Employers and Government Authorities
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new virus of global health significance caused by infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
At BioReference, our priority remains in the health and safety of the communities we serve, and we are doing our part to deliver answers during these uncertain times. For employers and government authorities, testing for antibodies is the next logical step to help guide decisions about moving forward. BioReference is proud to collaborate with host organizations to provide laboratory and testing services that help identify:
- If an individual has detectable COVID-19 antibodies
- How many people were infected in a geographic area
- How the number of infected people is changing over time
- Types of populations that may be at a higher risk of infection
- How many people were infected with mild or no symptoms
COVID-19 Antibody Testing From BioReference
Antibodies are proteins produced by the body’s immune system to try to fight infection. BioReference offers a test that utilizes a blood sample to measure SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody levels, which correlate with a patient’s immune response after COVID-19 infection. Based on early evidence, antibodies are is expected to be elevated in the majority of patients by 14 days after the onset of symptoms. The timeline for antibody elevation in asymptomatic patients is still being studied.
COVID-19 Antibody Technology
BioReference offers an immunoassay for antibody testing with high sensitivity and specificity. Each COVID-19 antibody test is performed utilizing the Roche Elecsys Anti-Sars CoV-2 assay or the DiaSorin Liaison Sars CoV-2 S1/S2 assay. These high-volume instruments have been verified for accuracy. They have been approved by appropriate state Departments of Health, and are being used under FDA Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA).
Antibody Testing For Employers and Government Authorities
Test results play a critical role in the fight against COVID-19 by identifying who has detectable antibodies. Together with other clinical information and guidance from health authorities, these results can assist with decisions on ensuring the safety of employees and customers.
Many COVID-19 patients have mild or no symptoms, and may not have been diagnosed when infected. Antibody testing can provide employers key information about who has been infected, and who may potentially be immune from re-infection when making decisions on returning to work and implementing workplace safety procedures.
Testing Process and Screening Events
To support return-to-work strategies and COVID-19 antibody screening efforts, BioReference is pleased to offer digital registration and check-in, onsite testing and processing, online result access, and educational resources for employees.*
Digital Registration
BioReference provides a unique digital platform for online registration and test scheduling. The portal allows each individual to schedule a visit by location (if multiple sites are determined), and preferred date and time. The employer group overseeing the program will be responsible for communication with employees and sending a registration link.
Check-In
After registration, employees will receive a QR code confirmation. Upon arrival at the facility, this QR code can be presented for easy arrival and check-in.
On-site Phlebotomy Services
Antibody testing is completed with a blood sample. BioReference is able to provide a host organization with on-site phlebotomy services to ensure proper specimen collection and handling.*.
Online Results
Test results will be provided via a patient-friendly report format and will be accessible to the host organization and employees via BioReference’s online HIPAA-compliant, secure Patient Portal.
Educational Tools
Employees may have questions about test the testing process and what their results mean. BioReference is able to provide educational tools that include information on getting tested, how to access results, and what those results mean.
