FAQs on COVID 19 Surface Testing
Nik Lahiri
Results Focused CEO I Helping AEC, Emergency Response and Technology Companies Hire Top Tier Technical Talent
Our most frequently asked questions about surface testing for Covid 19 and when it makes sense.
Essel can perform COVID 19 related testing on surfaces and have results within 48 hours.
Does it make sense to test?
The chances of finding the Covid 19 strain on surfaces that have been undisturbed for more than 2 weeks is low. But, in high touch areas of buildings – as they return to work – can be tested as a screening tool. If there are positive hits in areas – then you know that there is a reason to perform decontamination in the specific areas.
Periodic testing can be a management tool in buildings.
How much does a COVID 19 Surface Test cost ?
Depending on the turnaround – costs will be $250-$350 per sample. $650 for a specialist to do the sampling.
How quickly can you get results back?
Tests are turned around within 24 hours-48 hours. The results are analyzed at a laboratory. The testing is not a direct reading instrument.
How else can we gauge cleanliness?
To gauge the efficacy of the cleaning – managers can use ATP testing to determine the levels of biological material on surfaces. By using ATP testing – it will indentify the amount of biological material on a surface – but that may not be a leading indicator for the covid 19 strain.
What is the proper testing sequence?
Depending on the budget & traffic pattern of each building – you can decide to test 2-3 times a week. Typically, testing in the middle of the week and the end of the week can be a good cadence.
What regions can you test?
We can perform nationwide testing.