The state of Connecticut has begun its second phase of officially reopening, with certain offices allowed to open their doors and resume regular day-to-day operations with stringent safety precautions and protocol in place. AFC Urgent Care Vernon is working with owners and employers across the community to coordinate return-to-work COVID-19 testing for businesses of all sizes to keep employees and customers safe and healthy as things return to “the new normal."

COVID-19 Tests Available for Businesses in Vernon, CT

In order to make sure employees are not returning to work ill or contagious, there are two types of tests available to detect current and past infections with COVID-19.

Antibody testing

An antibody test is used to detect a past infection with COVID-19 due to the presence of active antibodies, which form ten to fourteen days after an infection has healed. Antibodies can only be used to detect a healed, past infection. The test is performed by taking a blood sample and takes about ten minutes. It is important to note that a patient who has the active virus can still test negative for antibodies due to the lack of time for them to form, but an antibody test will not be able to detect the active virus. Results will be available to patients within 1-3 days after testing depending on the capacity of our on-site lab. 

PCR swab testing

PCR testing, or diagnostic testing, can diagnose an active case of COVID-19. To perform the test, a swab will be taken of the patient’s lower nasal cavity to collect a sample. The test is painless and only takes a few moments. A positive result indicates current infection with COVID-19, while a negative result that the employee does not have the virus. However, it does not mean they never came into contact with the virus or that they could not be exposed at a later period. If an employee has previously tested positive for COVID-19, they must wait at least fourteen days until they are tested again. Employees getting tested for COVID-19 in order to return to their workplace must be asymptomatic for at least three days prior to testing.

Mobile COVID-19 Testing for Return to Work in Vernon, CT 

As you continue to make arrangements for your employees to return to the workplace, call AFC Urgent Care Vernon to coordinate on-site testing at your location. Our team will be able to set up a tent containing our necessary supplies for testing and will come equipped with full PPE, including gowns, masks, face shields and gloves to keep both our members and your employees safe. Social distancing and masks will be mandated during testing. For questions or to coordinate a date, please call 860-986-7600.