NBA, NBPA Gauging Viability Of Potential Coronavirus Rapid Tests

NBA and NBPA officials in recent weeks have been "collaborating in assessing the viability of multiple blood-testing devices for the coronavirus that could provide accurate results within a matter of minutes, a process that would hopefully enable the league to track the virus in what is considered a critical first step toward resuming play in the near future," according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN.com. Sources said that the league and union have been "looking at what those familiar with the matter describe as 'diabetes-like' blood testing in which someone could, with the prick of a finger, be tested quickly, and results could be gained inside of 15 minutes." The sources "stressed that this matter is in the exploratory phase and that there is no clear timetable as to when the efficacy of any such device might be proven." One NBA GM said, "Rapid-testing results are key to return to work, return to sports, everything" (ESPN.com, 4/6).