An important study into the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in healthcare workers is described as ‘groundbreaking’. More than 2000 Tayside healthcare staff volunteers took part in the study. Staff from across 15 categories including doctors, physios, administrative staff and porter and researchers detected antibodies in 15.5% of volunteers compared to 4.5% of volunteers’ prevalence in the general Scottish population. The study also showed that workers who deal directly with COVID patients were not significantly more at risk that colleagues in other healthcare settings.
The lead for the study Professor Chalmers said, "It is fantastic that more than 2000 staff volunteered to participate in this research and this comprehensive staff testing programme means we have helped to validate an antibody test that can now be used across NHS Scotland.
