The U.S. found itself unprepared to act quickly in response to the spread of COVID-19 across the country. Many laboratories are still struggling to ramp up testing and speed turnaround times to help diminish disease spread. Much uncertainty remains about test reliability, and there are many unknowns about COVID-19 immunity and its ability to reinfect those who have tested positive.
Rapid and accurate integrated laboratory testing that enables quick contact tracing and immediate quarantine is part of the solution to help quickly reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Rapid point-of-care (POC) COVID-19 test results are being recognized as a key component to address the turnaround-time challenges inherent in PCR testing when the lab is not local.
This webinar will describe the progression of COVID-19 testing (from PCR to POCT), touching on the different uses of viral testing versus antibody testing and the challenges that laboratories face in reporting accurate, timely results. The discussion will include the value of rapid, integrated POCT results to aid in effective contact tracing and disease prevention and will highlight the importance of the laboratory’s role in addressing this pandemic.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the history and progression of COVID-19 testing from PCR through POCT.
- Define COVID-19 testing challenges and roadblocks.
- Evaluate the importance of rapid results in disease management (e.g., contact tracing, prevention, containment).
- Identify the role of integrated POCT in the COVID-19 pandemic response.
- Recognize the laboratory’s vital role and its future outlook.
