CDC updates guidance on SARS-CoV-2 testing for health workers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided updated recommendations for testing health care personnel (HCP) for SARS-CoV-2. According to the guidance, testing can be considered in four situations: when symptoms are consistent with COVID-19; when there is known exposure to SARS-CoV-2 regardless of symptoms; for early identification of those without symptoms or exposure who work in special settings such as nursing homes; and to determine when an HCP diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 is no longer infectious. Providers should aim for turnaround in less than 24 hours to facilitate effective interventions and are discouraged from testing the same person more than once in a 24-hour period. (CDC website, 7/2/20)