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Increase safety at the workplace thanks to rapid testing with 97% reliability

A year ago, only the extensive PCR test provided a reliable result, but now there are other reliable tests available on the market.
And as well as being available, these new tests are also affordable and can be purchased quickly.

That’s why it’s now a good idea for companies to consider giving employees and/or visitors the option to test themselves periodically or when entering the workplace.


In order to determine which test is most suitable for your company and employees, it’s important to be familiar with the different types of tests available and their pros and cons.

 

PCR, Antigen or Antibody tests

There are threes types of tests available for COVID-19:

  • PCR test
    This is the best known test. A healthcare provider takes a swab from the nose or throat. The test material is then examined in a laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 particles in the nose or throat. A positive PCR test means that the person tested has an active coronavirus infection.
    This test is the least comfortable and takes the longest time, but is also the most reliable.

  • Antigen test (Ag)
    An antigen test examines a sample from a nose swab or saliva for protein particles that come from the coronavirus. Some versions require a sample to be taken by a healthcare provider, but there are also variants that allow you to do this yourself. The result indicates within 15 minutes whether the person tested has an active coronavirus infection.

  • Antibody test (IgM/IgG)
    This test is also called the serological test. The older rapid tests work using this principle by searching for coronavirus antibodies. In addition to a rapid test, this test can also be carried out in a laboratory with a blood sample. A positive antibody test means that the person tested has been infected with COVID-19 in the past, and that their immune system has developed antibodies to try to fight it.

Saliva test or nose swab

Vandeputte has two rapid tests available: saliva test and nose swab. The choice depends on the tested person’s preference.

  • The saliva test
    This type of test is comfortable for the person being tested, but is less accurate. It is available as a professional rapid test and so not as a self-test.

  • The nose swab
    This method is available as a rapid and self-test, but is less comfortable for the person tested. The result is slightly more accurate than the saliva test, however.

Rapid tests are taken under the supervision of medically trained personnel. Only self-tests may be carried out yourself. (Vandeputte has one self-test from the Roche brand available in collaboration with our partner pharmacy. You can find further details under ’SELF-TESTS’ below).

(Rapid) test for professional use


A laboratory test is not a good solution if you want to test your employees or visitors on a regular basis.
The obvious choice for professional use is therefore a rapid test. Take into account that this test must be carried out by a medically trained healthcare provider.

A qualitative test for professional use:

SELF-TESTS

If it is not possible for you to have tests carried out by medically trained personnel, then you can make use of self-tests.

Pharmacies selling SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-tests has been permitted since 4 April 2021. There are currently no SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-tests that have been given CE marking available on the European market.
Only tests for professional use that meet strict requirements and have been verified by the FAGG may therefore be sold to private individuals.

The sale of these self-tests to private individuals is currently only permitted in pharmacies. The pharmacist informs the buyer about how to carry out the self-test.

As a safety expert, Vandeputte can give you access to the approved Roche self-tests. We take care of the logistics for you. The ordering and invoicing is processed by our partner pharmacy.


Interested? Please fill in the form below, or ask any questions you may have, and send to info@vp.com.

 

Order form

CONCLUSION

Antigen tests are the best option for increasing safety at the workplace.

  • They are available in the form of a rapid test
  • You can choose a test that you carry out yourself
  • There is a version with a nose swab, but also a saliva test available