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Considerations for Pooled Testing of Employees for SARS-CoV-2
Paul A Schulte1, David N Weissman, Sara E Luckhaupt
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio (Dr Schulte); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, West Virginia (Dr Weissman, Dr Beezhold, Dr Radonovich); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5555 Ridge Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio (Dr Luckhaupt, Dr de Perio); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Dr Piacentino, Hearl, Dr Howard).
Pooled testing for employees can reduce costs and prevent COVID-19 transmission in workplaces. Employers should integrate pooled testing into comprehensive workplace safety programs for effective SARS-CoV-2 control.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Disease Control
- Public Health
Background:
- Workplace safety and infectious disease management are critical.
- COVID-19 transmission poses risks to employees and businesses.
- The need for cost-effective testing strategies in occupational settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline key considerations for employers and health authorities regarding pooled testing.
- To provide background information on the implementation of pooled testing in the workplace.
- To highlight the benefits of pooled testing for COVID-19 surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Commentary based on author review of pertinent literature.
- Literature search focused on preprints from medrxiv.org prior to August 2020.
- Synthesis of existing research on pooled testing strategies.
Main Results:
- Pooled testing is beneficial in low-prevalence communities.
- It effectively reduces the number of tests and associated financial costs.
- Pooled testing of asymptomatic employees can prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Conclusions:
- Pooled testing should be part of a comprehensive workplace COVID-19 prevention program.
- It assures employers and customers about employee infectious status.
- Effective implementation requires careful consideration of background factors.
