The Israel Defense Forces will soon start testing soldiers for COVID-19 using new serological testing kits developed by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Israeli army's Medical Corps, Jerusalem Post reported Saturday.
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Serological tests require a blood sample, which is studied for the presence of antibodies to a specific virus developed by the organism as part of an immune response.
If those are found, the patient is deemed to have been exposed to the virus. The presence of antibodies in the blood also, at least potentially, means that the person is immune to the virus – at least for a certain period of time.
The Israeli army is hoping that the testing kits will be useful in giving the military more clarity on the number of soldiers exposed to the virus, preventing local outbreaks in units and reducing the related logistical and operational headaches.
According to a document published by the IDF in late April, at least 194 soldiers have been confirmed to have contracted the virus, which leads to the COVID-19 respiratory disease.
The soldiers deployed with the police for patrols in a number of areas and helped with disinfection operations.
The IDF also distributed food in the areas that went on a full quarantine, including Bnei Brak and a number of neighborhoods in Jerusalem.
This article was originally published by i24NEWS.
