Schrödinger's Worker: Are They Positive or Negative for SARS-CoV-2?

Federico Meloni,Marcello Campagna,Angelo Restivo,Pierluigi Cocco

doi:10.3390/ijerph17176316

Federico Meloni, Marcello Campagna + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176316

Copy DOI

Abstract

In these days of 2020, tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, and their use in the context of health surveillance of workers, are becoming popular. Nevertheless, their sensitivity and specificity could vary on the basis of the type of test used and on the moment of infection of the subject tested. The aim of this viewpoint paper is to make employers, workers, occupational physicians, and public health specialists think about the limits of diagnostic tests currently available, and the possible implication related to the erroneous and incautious assignment of “immunity passports” or “risk-free certificates” to workers during screening campaigns in workplaces.

Highlights

In these days of 2020, tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, and their use in the context of health surveillance of workers, are becoming popular
Being on the front line, they have a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, of developing COVID-19, and of being a source of contagion for their patients, their colleagues, and their relatives [2]
Many possible factors contribute to COVID-19 clusters among healthcare workers: insufficient or incorrect use of protective personal equipment; close or direct contact with SARS-CoV-2 positive patients; working in confined indoor spaces; and shared canteen space, staff accommodation, transport, and/or social activities [3]

Summary

Introduction

In these days of 2020, tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, and their use in the context of health surveillance of workers, are becoming popular. Being on the front line, they have a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, of developing COVID-19, and of being a source of contagion for their patients, their colleagues, and their relatives [2].

Results

Conclusion