Covid Products: How to Securely Source at a Low Cost?

Protecting workers from COVID will likely be a high priority for a long while, and procuring safety products—COVID test kits, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizers, and so on—could remain a challenge. Other factors continue to confuse the issue, as well, like shifting government mandates and even counterfeit safety products. But there are ways to sort the good products from the bad and to improve your chances of finding COVID supplies in stock. Read on to help you get the best COVID safety and hygiene products for your workforce and your budget.  

COVID Test Kits 

Rapid antigen tests detect SARS-Cov-2 antigens and have proven to be useful in facilities of all sizes. (An antigen is a foreign substance that produces an immune response in the body, such as the production of antibodies.) These tests are inexpensive (normally) and give results in 15 to 30 minutes. They are also easy to administer, requiring only a nasal swab. One of the most useful features of a rapid antigen test is its ability to detect asymptomatic cases. The CDC reports that false positive test results are rare when the test is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved emergency use authorization (EUA) for antigen tests for COVID-19.  

Administering the test is relatively simple; tests are designed so that anyone can do it. Most tests use a nasal swab. Be sure to follow the directions closely: skipping even a single step will void the results. 

Where can you find COVID test kits?  

Obtaining at-home COVID tests can be confusing and frustrating. Supply has been intermittent on drug store and big-box shelves, though you can sometimes get lucky. The best way to get a large supply of test kits is generally to work with a reputable supplier who can source them in the quantities you need.  

Rapid COVID tests usually come in a variety of pack sizes: single, 2-pack, 5-pack, or 25-pack. Single packs are great for individual at-home use, while larger packs are great for families and organizations. It is important to note that large packs often only come with one set of instructions. This makes it important to have a good plan for administering the tests to a group.  

When ordering COVID test kits, watch out for fakes or unregulated products. Some test kits have been introduced into the market that cannot be sold in the U.S. as they were manufactured overseas in Europe and are not FDA approved. However, just because a product was made overseas does not mean that it won’t work. All rapid antigen tests use the same basic principles and should be equally effective if they are made to FDA standards. The important thing is to make sure that they are FDA approved and EUA authorized.  

How much do COVID test kids cost?  

Prices vary wildly—from free to around $15. Many grocery stores sell them for $8-10, but those are usually single or 2-pack tests. Ordering large quantities does not always produce a discount, as you might hope; because large multi-packs have been difficult to locate, their prices are often high.

One of the biggest factors rocking the supply chain as of early 2022 is the federal government’s procurement of one billion rapid test kits. In January 2022, the government began a policy of sending four free test kits to every household. This policy has made it harder for suppliers to stock tests for private consumption. Naturally, the prices of any available test kits have increased. 

Cleaning and Sanitizing Wipes 

Another product that saw a surge in demand during the COVID pandemic was antiseptic wipes for both surface and hand cleaning. These wipes come in a wide variety, including alcohol-based, disinfectant, and antibacterial. While demand for wipes surged sharply early in the pandemic—when it wasn’t clear how the virus spread—demand remains high and will likely continue to do so.  

What are the different types of cleaning and sanitizing wipes? 

It is important to understand the differences between the different kinds of wipes on the market. Wipes vary in the sanitizing ingredients they use, the purposes for which they are approved, the types of microorganisms they can kill, and the regulatory process they must go through. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates wipes used for surface cleaning. The FDA regulates wipes used on skin, such as hand sanitizing wipes.  

• Disinfectant wipes are usually the most effective for surface cleaning. They kill viruses and bacteria and are good for cleaning the most essential surfaces—door handles, appliances, sink fixtures, tools and so on. Disinfectant wipes must be EPA authorized; this ensures that they kill all the germs they claim to. Their ability to kill viruses on contact makes them a powerful tool in your COVID protection arsenal.  
• Alcohol wipes are typically used as hand wipes. They are made from ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol isn’t as effective as the powerful sanitizing agents used on surface disinfectant wipes, but they still kill most germs. Alcohol wipes are a great general hand-cleaner and a more convenient alternative to liquid hand sanitizer for many environments. Alcohol wipes must be FDA certified or EUA authorized.  
• Antibacterial wipes are usually made with benzalkonium chloride (BZK). These wipes include the typically cleaning wipes you find at the supermarket, such as Lysol® wipes. They may be used for either surface or hand cleaning (depending on their regulatory approval level). Antibacterial wipes kill bacterial pathogens and germs, but they are not as effective against viruses like SARS-Cov-2. Still, they help to keep hands and surfaces clean and are a great general-purpose cleaning and hygiene product.  

What impacts the cost of cleaning and sanitizing wipes?  

The cost of wipes usually comes down to quality and the type of regulatory approval the supplier has pursued. EPA and/or FDA registration is expensive and getting that registration will drive up the cost of wipes. However, that approval ensures that you are getting the quality and germ-fighting power that you expect. Other factors that impact the cost of wipes include:  

• The thickness and quality of the substrate: thicker wipes will cost more, but you’ll probably use fewer for each cleaning job.  
• The type of cleaning or disinfecting agent used: true disinfecting agents will be more expensive than cheaper products, like alcohol.  
• Where the wipes are manufactured: overseas manufacturers may be cheaper, but it is essential to make sure they still have the proper regulatory approval.  

Disinfectant wipes are usually the most expensive variety as they are certified by the EPA and require testing and certification. Alcohol wipes are certified by the FDA but are held to a less stringent standard and are therefore less expensive. Antibacterial wipes are usually the least expensive of the three. 

Supply chain issues have made the cost of wipes volatile over the last two years. The prices of cleaning and sanitizing wipes have begun to stabilize and return to normal, but they are still being inflated by supply chain issues. 

One of the best ways to save money on wipes is to take care of them. Be sure to close the lid on a container; wipes will dry out quickly, and an open lid can quickly ruin a container. 

Hand Sanitizers 

Hand sanitizers are another product that surged in demand during the pandemic. It is likely that demand will remain high due to continuing pandemic concerns or even simply due to new, more hygienic habits that were formed in recent years.  

What are the types of hand sanitizer?  

Hand sanitizers come in both liquids and gels. Most sanitizers are made from ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, which will kill up to 99% or more germs on hands.  

• Liquid sanitizer is mostly made up of alcohol and water. It may come in a jug or a spray bottle; spray bottles may be good for cleaning up surfaces as well as hands. Liquid hand sanitizer is generally cheaper than gel. 
• Gel sanitizer is often preferred as it is nicer on hands, but it is more expensive. Gel sanitizer may include aloe or other skin conditioning agents in addition to the alcohol. Gel sanitizers are available in flip tops or pump tops in sizes 2oz up to 1 gallon. Gels are easier and less messy to use, as they are less drippy than liquids.  

What is the best hand sanitizer?  

A good hand sanitizer must have at least 70% alcohol content in order to kill germs. Products can vary in their smells, moisturizing capability, greasiness, or stickiness. It’s a good idea to try samples to be sure you’re getting a sanitizer that will be popular. 

When buying hand sanitizer, don’t overlook the small things—in particular, its smell. A bad-smelling sanitizer will go unused, and that would be counterproductive for both hygiene and health. The goal is to make hygiene as easy as possible and to build healthy habits. 

How can you manage costs of COVID safety products? 

Facility budgets will probably not see much relief from the need for safety and hygiene products that came with the pandemic. While COVID test kits will hopefully become less necessary, disinfectant and sanitizer stations will probably stick around—and that’s not a bad thing for worker health and productivity. Luckily, there are ways to get the most hygiene for your money. Consider the following:  

• Talk to an expert. Workplace hygiene is a topic that requires some expertise and sometimes even regulatory knowledge. Fortunately, there are many sources of expertise, from trustworthy suppliers to third-party consultants.   
• Look out for fakes. Beware of counterfeit products that promise quality but don’t deliver it. The surge in demand for safety products during the pandemic led to a corresponding surge in fakes.  

Finding the Best Value for COVID Safety Products 

As always, having a relationship with a good supplier can ensure you get the right goods for your operation and for your budget. Benchmark has the customer service and inventory to keep your facility safe, healthy, and productive.  

Would you like to talk to an expert about safety products? Call one of our associates today.