Rochester first responders tested for past exposure to the coronavirus

With testing capabilities ramping up statewide, local efforts are under way to ensure first responders are among the first to be checked for previous exposure to the novel coronavirus.

This past weekend, Mayo Clinic Laboratories teamed up with Rochester Home Infusion to draw blood and test approximately 200 first responders from the Rochester police and fire departments.

A Mayo spokesperson said the serology tests are now being used to determine the seroprevalence of Covid-19 among first responders, providing local officials the information necessary to making the best decisions possible regarding the safety of their front line workers.

While testing, conducted outside of Rochester Home Infusion’s office downtown, was voluntary, City Attorney Jason Loos said most city law enforcement and fire department personnel chose to get the test. Expenses, Loos added, were covered by a federal grant. 

“Our profession simply does not allow for telecommuting, or complete social distancing,” said Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin. “Thus, the benefits of testing our first responders are multi-faceted in that, first, we now have an agency wide baseline assessment based on the aggregate data. Second, our hope was to gauge the level of prevalence and thereby potential exposure of the virus within our agency. Finally, I feel it has reinforced the effectiveness of the proactive steps and decisions we have taken to keep our first responders safe, healthy, and able to respond to community needs.”

While a serology test cannot determine whether a person is currently infected with the virus, it can confirm whether an individual has had a past exposure and if they have developed disease-fighting antibodies.

Though questions remain about the degree of protective immunity brought on by antibodies, the serology tests can be used to help researchers study trends in the pandemic. The tests can also help identify whether someone can donate their antibody-rich plasma to Covid-19 patients.

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.

Cover photo licensed via Getty