Staff PCR Testing

The PCR test will detect the virus before it has been cleared by the immune system. Essentially, it tests whether someone has the virus in his/her nasopharyngeal track at the time of sampling. The laboratory test detects the genetic material (called RNA) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A sample is collected by an approved healthcare professional from the deep nasal area (or in some cases the throat) using a swab. The swab is sent to the laboratory to confirm the presence of the virus.

PCR testing is today the laboratory analysis of choice as it is the most sensitive way to detect the virus during the active phase of infection, whether the person is symptomatic or not. Several studies show that the proportion of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases is significant in any given COVID-19 infected group.

Through PCR testing of members of your workforce, when needed and as decided by a qualified physician, within the guidelines of healthcare authorities in each country, you can determine (subject to the sensitivity of the clinically approved sampling and testing methods used and the time of sampling during the course of the illness) whether an employee is contaminated or not, likely to be infectious, and whether it is preferable for this individual to remain at home.

Staff Antibody Testing

The antibody test (also called serological test) will detect infections after the immune system has produced antibodies which recognise the virus. These antibodies (IgA, IgG or IgM) will generally remain in the bloodstream long after the patient has recovered from the virus.

Through antibody testing, as decided by a qualified physician, within the guidelines of healthcare authorities in each country, we can help healthcare professionals to support your company to determine if some of your employees are currently fighting COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19. This knowledge may help a healthcare professional, based on national and state recommendations and the patient’s medical history as well as results of PCR testing, to determine if it is acceptable for an employee to return to work.

Surface Testing

Testing for SARS-Cov-2 on high touch points and surfaces in your workplace will provide:

• An indicator of the presence of the virus at your workplace, which may trigger additional measures listed in your risk management programme (eg: testing of team members working in the workspace that day)
• The confidence that cleaning and decontamination methods used in your working environment are effective.Eurofins’ environmental surface testing services provide you with both a screening Coronavirus test that does not specifically detect SARS-CoV-2 and, if required, a SARS-CoV-2 identification test by PCR.

This testing service provides a unique opportunity to assess the presence of the virus in the workplace, and the need for cleaning and documentation as to whether cleaning has been performed adequately.

Wastewater Testing

A number of studies have now demonstrated that the presence of the virus in wastewater can be a strong indicator of the presence of the virus in a given place or community, before any indication of symptoms in infected people. ¹

Through regular wastewater testing and on-going monitoring of your facility, you can add another indicator related to the potential presence of the virus within your teams and environment and tailor your additional testing programmes.

Product testing, certification and inspection

Eurofins has been providing testing, inspection and regulatory services focused on medical and protective equipment (masks, gloves, gowns, drapes, respiratory protective devices and equipment), as well as disinfectants and hand sanitizers to clients serving the healthcare sector since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues expanding capabilities and capacity to serve all other industries, as employees are gradually going back to work.

Each sample is thoroughly tested in our labs and certified when applicable (against international and local regulations), thereby contributing to the safety and health of the end user, while our on-site inspections in sourcing locations help ensure that imported products meet the benchmarked quality standards.

Consulting Services

Our consultants and consulting partners can offer you a number of additional services customised to your needs:

• They can help you design the most appropriate SAFER@WORK™ sampling and testing protocols, according to your specific needs, combining the various services described above and according to local regulations and contexts.
• They can advise your company on sampling procedures and sampling plan design, sampling techniques, site list selections, corrective action plans and adverse result investigations. That way, you can ensure that you are focusing on the most cost-effective and targeted measures when it comes to your surface monitoring programmes.
• Eurofins Assurance teams have also placed their expertise in the SAFER@WORK^TM programme. We provide e-learning modules, consulting services, self-assessment tools and on-site audits, designed and built against the WHO, ASHO and other relevant organisations’ guidelines promoting best hygiene practices at the workplace. Our experts have developed a set of standards to support organisations in their assessment of their level of preparedness to avoid the spread of the SARS-CoV 2 virus and ensure business continuity, while protecting workers and consumers. Depending on the geography, our teams challenge the restart process of your manufacturing site, distribution center, retail shop, restaurant or hotel but also the re-opening of your offices. Find out more details on the Eurofins Assurance website: https://www.eurofins.com/assurance/safer-at-work/.