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Testing has been a major talking point, and in some cases major issue, when it comes to what we like to call ‘the big cancel.’ Whether it be the lack of actual tests, the time it takes to get test results and the actual process of the tests themselves, there seems to be new information regarding tests each and every day.
Recently the Illinois-based Abbott Laboratories began shipping rapid-response blood tests, which have been approved by the FDA, across the United States that are set to deliver results in five to 13 minutes and now the NBA and NBA Players Association are reportedly looking into these devices.
“The NBA and NBPA have been collaborating in assessing the viability of multiple blood-testing devices. …That could provide accurate results within a matter of minutes,” ESPN’s Baxter Holmes wrote on Monday. “The league and players union have been looking at what those familiar with the matter describe as ‘diabetes-like’ blood testing.”
If the NBA could acquire these rapid-response tests it could certainly speed up the process of returning to action, but that is much easier said than done. Given the reported shortages of tests all over the United States and the number of much higher priority frontline and essential workers across the nation, the NBA and its players fall well down the list of those that would receive these tests the fastest.
“Even if the technology is there, is it accessible?” said another athletic training official with firsthand knowledge of the process. “Because obviously, we have higher-priority people that may need that, like our emergency workers and health care professionals that definitely take a priority over our players.”
The NBA has yet to even float any possible return date. With President Trump pushing social-distancing guidelines through April 30, it’s clear we’re still a ways away from the league hitting the start button again.