Universal preoperative SARS-CoV-2 testing can facilitate safe surgical treatment during local COVID-19 surges.

Kothari, A N; Trans, A T; Caudle, A S; Clemens, M W; Katz, M H G; Woodman, S E; Chang, G J · Br J Surg · 2021

case_series · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

This research letter details the experience of a large cancer center's experience with a universal asymptomatic preoperative SARS-CoV-2 testing program that facilitated safe surgical treatment during a local surge of coronavirus cases. A total of 5,234 asymptomatic tests were performed with a test positivity rate that correlated with the increase in community prevalence of COVID-19 infections. No patients developed a postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection with no documented patient-to-patient or patient-to-provider spread.

Medical subject headings