A nucleic acid amplification test‐based strategy does not help inform return to work for healthcare workers with COVID‐19. Issue 5 (26th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hijano, Diego R.; Hoffman, James M.; Webby, Richard J.; Tang, Li; Hakim, Hana; Hayden, Randall T.; Gaur, Aditya H.
• Is Part Of: Influenza and other respiratory viruses. Volume 16:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 851
• Page End: 853
• Publication Date: 2022-05-26
• Subjects: antigen test -- COVID‐19 -- healthcare workers -- isolation -- NAAT -- SARS‐CoV‐2; Influenza -- Periodicals; Respiratory infections -- Periodicals; Virus diseases -- Periodicals; Influenza, Human -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Virus Diseases -- Periodicals; Grippe -- Périodiques; Appareil respiratoire -- Infections -- Périodiques; Maladies à virus -- Périodiques; 616.203
• DOI: 10.1111/irv.13000
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-2640

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the utility of a nucleic acid amplification test‐based approach to shorten isolation of healthcare workers (HCWs) with COVID‐19 in the setting of the highly transmissible omicron variant. Methods: Between December 24, 2021, and January 5, 2022, HCWs who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 were retested with PCR at least 5 days since onset of symptoms. Results: Forty‐six sequential fully COVID‐19 vaccinated HCWs who had tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 underwent follow‐up testing. All the samples were confirmed as omicron variants and only four (8.7%) were negative in the follow‐up test performed at a median of 6 (range 5–12) since onset of symptoms. Conclusions: Implementation of a test‐based strategy is logistically challenging, increases costs, and did not lead to shorter isolation in our institution.