Pre-event Covid testing is fast becoming a growing trend, especially for events where substantial groups of people will gather, such as spectator sports, consumer trade shows, and live performances. With so many people in one place, organisers worry that pre-screening and contact tracing will not be sufficient measures to mitigate the risk of a Covid outbreak.

Large gatherings have turned out to be super spreader events in the past year, and organisers are keen to avoid having this happen again. Therefore, they are turning to pre-event Covid testing as a preventive measure against Covid transmission. Here is what you need to know about pre-event testing.

Why utilise pre-event Covid testing?

Pre-covid testing substantially improves an organiser’s chances of not admitting a Covid positive person to an event. This reduces the risk of viral transmission during a function.

Additionally, requiring a negative Covid test before event entry sets the tone for event attendees. Once they understand that organisers are serious about putting Covid protocols in place, they are more likely to comply with other rules, such as mask-wearing.

What do participants think?

Many people remain skeptical about attending large gatherings, fearing that they are a hotbed for Covid transmission. Some event organisers have found that people are more likely to consider attending an event if the organisers insist on Covid testing.

Cautious event-goers reason that the pandemic is by no means over, and heightened vigilance is needed to prevent another infection wave. Putting their concerns at ease by insisting on pre-event Covid testing will ensure that events are well-attended and successful.

Hiring professionals: the fastest and easiest way to provide onsite tests

Rapid PCR testing during events is gaining popularity among event organisers as a way to prevent an active case of Covid-19 from entering the venue. Onsite testing is a simple process. Your mobile medical provider’s staff will conduct rapid PCR tests on event attendees as they arrive.

Some companies also provide at-home testing, where a registered nurse comes to personal residences to administer a Covid test. These tests are far simpler than going to local testing sites. The service will confirm a scheduled appointment, conduct the on-site test, and provide same day results with rapid PCR testing.

Making accommodations

Many people attending events prefer to get a Covid test done before arriving. Many event organisers accept proof of a negative test, provided it was performed by a registered company and is not older than what local health regulations stipulate.

Similarly, vaccinated people may not need to provide a negative test result, only proof they have received their jab. Even so, they may need to participate in screening processes such as a temperature scan at the door or questionnaires to determine if they present any symptoms.

Antibody tests are not regarded as effective as they do not detect a current infection and should not be used as a pre-screening measure.

The difference between PCR and antigen tests

There are two ways to get rapid Covid-19 testing: PCR and antigen tests. What’s the difference?

PCR rests

A PCR test detects viral RNA (ribonucleic acid), the building blocks of Covid. It is so effective that it can prove a person is Covid positive before they even show any symptoms. Rapid PCR testing means that subjects do not need to wait an average of 24-48 hours to get their results.

Even though rapid PCR testing can return results quickly, it is also the most expensive Covid testing mechanism. The cost of this test may be prohibitive to organizers and attendees alike.

Rapid antigen tests

Antigen tests detect viral proteins the body develops during a Covid infection. These tests are not as precise as PCR tests and have been known to render false-positive and false-negative results.

Even though they are not as accurate as PCR tests, they cost significantly less and take only 15 minutes to render results. As such, organisers may choose to accept rapid antigen tests as evidence of non-infection.