Mass. DPH cautions against requiring PCR tests to return to work
Photo | Grant Welker
A CVS pharmacy in Shrewsbury conducted coronavirus testing in spring 2020.
In a Tuesday public health advisory, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health clarified its recommendations related to who and when people infected with and/or exposed to COVID-19 should undergo testing.
The update comes after the U.S. Centers for Disease control halved its recommended quarantine time at the end of December.
In Tuesday’s advisory, the DPH called attention to the distinction between PCR tests, historically the most commonly-used COVID-19 test, and rapid antigen tests, the kind commonly found in at-home testing kits. DPH recommended using antigen tests for people who are symptomatic and for asymptomatic people in certain settings, such as schools and daycares.
“PCR tests can also be used for these purposes but may indicate a positive result long after someone has stopped being infectious,” the advisory said. “As a result, PCR tests are not recommended for use when making decisions about returning to work or school or when making decisions about whether someone without known exposure or new symptoms should isolate.”
Someone with COVID-19-like symptoms who tests negative on an antigen test should consider taking another test in the next 24-48 hours, or else getting a PCR test, DPH said. In the waiting period, they should assume they are positive and follow isolation guidance.
In bolded typeface, DPH said employers, schools, and daycares should not require PCR tests to return to those settings. Instead, they should use state guidelines for isolation or quarantine. Current guidance recommends, but does not require, people in quarantine to get a test (either antigen or PCR) on their fifth day in quarantine, and exit if the test is negative.
DPH advised antigen tests are highly accurate and do not need to be confirmed with a PCR test.
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