26 June 2020 - - US-based telehealth solution MeMD has introduced an at-home PCR testing solution for businesses assessing workplace readiness in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said.

PCR, which is short for polymerase chain reaction, detects the presence of the COVID-19 virus. The test determines whether or not an individual is currently infected and can potentially spread the virus to others.

Through a partnership with 1Health.io, the precision health platform that is powering the first FDA-authorised at-home COVID-19 saliva test, MeMD is enabling businesses around the country to order PCR tests for employees experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms, providing them with a convenient, non-invasive and remote option for testing at home to curb the spread of illness in the workplace and other public settings.

Unlike other testing options, MeMD's solution allows its healthcare providers to order PCR tests in conjunction with virtual patient visits and then have the PCR tests sent directly to the patients' homes. Patients, in turn, mail their saliva samples to 1Health.io's lab partner.

Results are accessible from MeMD's secure patient dashboard within 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample. MeMD will also contact patients about the test results and provide further medical direction and steps for home isolation, if needed.

MeMD's healthcare providers can provide medical excuse notes for employees who have been infected with COVID-19, as well as medical release notes indicating that an employee has met the CDC's guidelines to discontinue home isolation so the employee can return to work.

To get an order for a PCR test, businesses can direct employees to request a visit online, 24/7. They will be connected with a healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms, recommend a treatment plan, and order a PCR test, if medically necessary.

Additionally, the healthcare providers can order and supervise blanket testing of employee groups, allowing for expedited delivery of PCR tests.

PCR testing is one important part of MeMD's complete return-to-work program. MeMD also offers antibody testing, which detects whether someone has been exposed to the COVID-19 virus at least two weeks prior.

Additionally, the program includes CDC-guided symptom screeners and short-term contracts to give employers the tools and flexibility they need to effectively manage the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

MeMD is a comprehensive telehealth solution providing on-demand, online care for common illnesses, injuries and behavioral health issues to consumers and businesses nationwide.

The company leverages the latest technologies and a highly skilled network of providers and therapists to treat the whole person, affordably and conveniently, from a computer, phone or mobile device.

1Health.io is a precision health platform powering health applications for large institutions reaching over a m consumers.