Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories (ODL®) is the UKAS accredited clinical testing laboratory of Oxford Immunotec Global PLC, a UK-based, NASDAQ listed IVD Company and BIA member. Experts in infectious disease testing, primarily in the field of tuberculosis, they support many companies with safeguarding against TB outbreaks and recently those companies have approached for support against COVID-19 with diagnostic screening services.
Like many other companies they are looking to test their own staff as an additional safeguarding measure, and in response to this have now setup a SARS-CoV-2 testing service to help employers implement their back to work safeguarding policies.
There are 2 types of test available on a commercial basis.
PCR testing
The ‘Do I have COVID-19?’ test. The PCR test looks for viral RNA using nasal/throat swabs and helps to understand who has the virus present in their upper respiratory tract.
Antibody serology testing
The ‘Have I had COVID-19?’ test. The serology test looks for the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using venous blood and helps to understand who may have come into contact with the virus. A PHE approved serology test is being used.
Advice can also be provided as to which tests may be useful for different cohorts of employees.
The service
ODL can also provide expert management of a screening event for COVID-19 (PCR and/or serology) at a dedicated place of work. From assistance with planning to delivery of final results, a fast and efficient completion of the process is assured. It is an experienced and confidential service (they have years of experience performing screening events for other tests in schools, places of work, universities, prisons, etc.) and the service includes all necessary materials for the screening, including provision of testing equipment and tubes, sample shipping, waste disposal and return of results. Phlebotomists can take blood from over 100 people per day and users will work with one of the service co-ordinators to plan, prepare and run the screening
For more information on the testing services click here
