Targeted rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 in the emergency department is associated with large reductions in uninfected patient exposure time. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hinson, J.S.; Rothman, R.E.; Carroll, K.; Mostafa, H.H.; Ghobadi, K.; Smith, A.; Martinez, D.; Shaw-Saliba, K.; Klein, E.; Levin, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 107(2021)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Rapid diagnostics; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.09.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: Opportunity exists to decrease healthcare-related exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), preserve infection control resources, and increase care capacity by reducing the time to diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken to measure the effect of targeted rapid molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 on these outcomes. In comparison with standard platform testing, rapid testing was associated with a 65.6% reduction (12.6 h) in the median time to removal from the isolation cohort for patients with negative diagnostic results. This translated to an increase in COVID-19 treatment capacity of 3028 bed-hours and 7500 fewer patient interactions that required the use of personal protective equipment per week.