Testing FAQs on COVID outbreaks & the workplace
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MMAC and the Milwaukee 7 Regional Partnership created this document in collaboration with the following organizations:
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General overview
PCR Testing for a current infection
- Nasopharyngeal swab involves passing a small swab through the nose and into the space behind nose for 15 seconds. The swab is placed in a sterile container and sent to a lab for testing. This is the most accurate way to be tested.
- Nasal swab involves placing a 6-inch long swab into each nasal cavity and rotating for 15 seconds. The swab is placed in a sterile container and sent to a lab for testing.
- Saliva testing involves collecting an individual’s saliva in a sterile container and sending it to a lab for testing.
Rapid Antigen Testing for a current infection
- Checks samples from the respiratory system for the presence of proteins associated with the virus to diagnose a current COVID-19 infection.
- Antigen tests can provide results in approximately 15 minutes, but these tests may not detect all infections, as they work differently than PCR tests.
- A negative test result could mean:
- A positive test could mean:
- Results are only valid for the day the individual was tested.
- Employers should work closely with their state or local health department and healthcare providers to determine when follow-up testing using PCR tests is warranted.
- Administered via nasopharyngeal swab or nasal swab:
- Checks the blood for antibodies, which may tell if an individual had a past infection.
- Cannot identify whether an individual is currently infected.
- Can take 10-14 days after symptoms occur for the body to make antibodies.
- Antibody levels have been found to drop significantly within 2-3 months.
- the individual did not have the virus at the time of testing, or the individual was recently infected, and the sample was collected too early. Individuals can also be exposed to and get COVID-19, after a test. If symptoms develop later, individuals may need to be tested again, or,
- the test result was a false negative (i.e., a negative result when a person is actually infected). Antigen tests are not as sensitive as molecular viral (PCR) tests, meaning there is a higher chance of false negative results. Thus, it may be necessary to conduct a PCR confirmation test, especially when the symptoms do not match with the result.
- the test reacted with something in the sample and caused a positive result. This happens in about 3-5% of all rapid antigen tests run in patients who are not infected.
- the patient is infected with COVID-19.
- Nasopharyngeal swab involves passing a small swab through the nose and into the space behind nose for 15 seconds. The swab is placed in a sterile container and sent to a lab for testing.
- Nasal swab involves placing a 6-inch long swab into each nasal cavity and rotating for 15 seconds. The swab is placed in a sterile container and sent to a lab for testing.
- Saliva is not currently FDA approved for antigen testing.
Antibody Testing for a past infection
Some viral tests are point-of-care tests with results available at the testing site in less than an hour. Other tests must be sent to a lab and results are available in 1-3 days. Some areas experience a high demand for testing, which can cause a delay in results.
Employers can direct employees to their healthcare provider for testing. If employees do not have a healthcare provider, they can call 211, go to a local community testing site, or establish care with a healthcare provider. Testing at these sites is provided at no cost. Some locations may require a doctor’s note or appointment to receive a test. Individuals who are 3 insured should be encouraged to seek testing through their healthcare provider. Visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
- People who have had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19
- People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, or state and local health department
- People who work with the elderly in nursing homes.
Decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers. Determinations for testing are continuously evaluated.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should be tested. Additional considerations for who should get tested may include:
If you get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your healthcare provider or a public health professional.
- 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
- 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*
No. Most people do not require testing to determine whether they can return to work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, employees who had COVID-19 symptoms can return to work when it has been:
*Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks/months after recovery and alone are not a reason to extend isolation
People who tested positive but never developed symptoms can return to work 10 days after a positive test.
These recommendations do not apply to individuals with a severe case of COVID-19 or with severely weakened immune systems. Please note, there may be cases when a healthcare provider recommends repeat testing. The local health department will advise on return to work.
COVID-19 testing capacity differs by location. Decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers. Visit your state and local health department’s website for the latest information on testing.
Influenza, also known as the flu, and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The flu is caused by any variety of different types and strains of the influenza virus. Both viruses spread through respiratory droplets made when ill individuals cough, sneeze, talk or sing. These droplets can be transmitted through the air and can collect on surfaces. Both can be prevented by wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, staying home when sick, physical distancing, and limiting contact with sick individuals.
A flu vaccine is the best way to lower an individual’s chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others. People are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. If more than 40% of Wisconsinites received the vaccine each year, communities would see less transmission of the flu and fewer serious complications. Employees should consider getting a flu shot in the fall as soon as it is available.
*Milwaukee's Unified Emergency Operations Center--a collaboration among the 19 municipalities in Milwaukee County, public health leaders, health care providers and public safety officers--coordinates a unified multi-sector public health response to COVID-19, with an emphasis on addressing health disparities throughout the County.