Testing times

Summary:

Sensitive and specific tests for COVID-19 antibodies have been approved in Europe and the US and will provide much needed data on the spread of the disease. However, they should not be used to certify an unrestricted return to work.

Public Health England (PHE) has published its assessment of two serology tests (from Roche¹ and Abbott²) to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both are approved in the US and European Economic Area. Such tests will provide invaluable epidemiological data and help shape the public health response to COVID-19. But it is premature to suggest that, with no vaccine available, serology tests will reassure employers trying to mobilise their workforce, let alone be used to issue ‘immunity passports’…

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Dr John Ballard – Editor, Occupational Health [at Work]

Author: Ballard J

Tags COVID-19 pandemic vaccine

Occupational Health at Work June/July 2020 (vol. 17/1) pp03

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