Antibody testing of UW Medicine frontline health care workers revealed a low COVID-19 prevalence. The UW Medicine Virology Lab announced that the testing revealed a 3 percent prevalence a previous COVID-19 infection. Antibody testing is being offered to all UW Medicine employees.
Harborview Medical Center Medical Director of Infection Prevention Dr. John B. Lynch said, “The low overall rate of past infections in workers directly interacting with and caring for COVID-19 patients is a testament to [UW Medicine’s] preparedness efforts and continued commitment to keeping employees safe. [UW Medicine’s] preventative measures included early access to testing, extensive personal protective equipment, and highly trained personnel in units specifically dedicated to COVID-19.”
UW Medicine announced that it intends to release analysis and data from the antibody testing. Further details on UW Medicine’s efforts to protect hospital staff are available online.
