You’ve probably heard the term “contact tracing” by now. So, what is it—and why has everyone been talking about it?
The CDC defines contact tracing as, “an effective disease control strategy that involves identifying cases and their contacts, then working with them to interrupt disease transmission.”
This means widespread testing for COVID-19. It means tracking anyone who has been in contact with a person who tests positive, so they can get tested themselves and isolate. Contact tracing is one of the most effective ways to curb COVID-19 spread.
But it can only be effective with fast test results, which larger companies have been less and less able to provide. The typical wait time to receive results from a mainstream lab is 4-14 days. In some cases, it takes more than three weeks.
Research in the journal Lancet Public Health found that results that take five days or longer are of little use. Conversely, they found that minimizing delays in results has the potential to prevent up to 80% of all transmissions. “In our model,” they write, “minimizing testing delay had the largest impact on reducing onward transmissions.”
Avalon Laboratory Solutions understands the importance of fast results for flattening the curve. We can guarantee accurate results in 24-48 hours. We also offer a full Employee Preparedness Program, which includes: directed testing efforts, contact tracing, help making your space conducive to social distancing, and access to personal protective equipment (PPE). All of these measures will significantly reduce the risk of an outbreak at your facility.
Fast and accurate test results make for successful contact tracing—one of the best ways to help curb this pandemic.
To find out more information or learn about pricing, email [email protected].