How to get COVID tests for your employees

Once you have started to think about the first steps to re-opening your business, and you have conducted your COVID risk assessment, you might be ready to consider implementing a COVID testing strategy for your team. In this article we will explain what kind of tests there are, what they do, and how to get tests for you employees. 

What COVID tests are there?

COVID tests fall in to two main categories: antigen tests which check for the presence of the live virus to see if someone has COVID at the time of testing; and antibody tests which check for the presence of antibodies, demonstrating that someone was exposed to SARS-COV-2 in the past. 

At TFA we provide both certified antigen and antibody testing for employers. Both our tests can be performed on-site by healthcare professionals. The antigen test (RT PCR test) is a naso-pharyngeal swab, which is 100% sensitive and 99.5% specific. The antibody test takes the form of a blood finger-prick test, which delivers results in 10 minutes with 91% sensitivity and 99% specificity. 

Why test employees?

Getting employees tested for previous exposure to COVID-19 can help inform your back to work planning, and is a useful survey tool to understand the risk posed by COVID-19 to your workforce. As of yet, doctors and scientists are uncertain how long any immunity conferred by antibodies might last. Nevertheless, finding out that they’ve been exposed once already might provide staff with reassurance. 

The offer of regular employee antigen testing will be a clear indicator of a good employer in the working world of the ‘new normal’. In sectors such as hospitality, beauty and sports, colleagues are necessarily in close contact with one another or with customers. It is here that live virus testing is most integral to ensure businesses can re-open without putting lives at risk. 

How to get the tests?

TFA is a unique not-for-profit organisation aiming to provide affordable and accessible antibody and antigen testing to UK employers and businesses. We make it easy to get the best tests at the most cost-effective prices. 

To begin the process of making your team COVID secure today, register online by clicking here and we’ll send you a quick quote.