A comparison of a SARS-CoV-2 rapid-test and serological-test in a Public Health Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, with the start of the vaccination campaign is very important to assess the extent of exposure of the population and identifying rapid, sensitive and accurate test to quickly identify new cases of SARS-CoV-2. The rapid test, cheap and easy to perform, is therefore very useful in developing countries, where the vaccination campaign has not yet reached adequate coverage. METHODOLOGY: We compared the VivaDiag COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test (VivaCheck Biotech Co., Ltd) with the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland) to recognize past infections and to compare VivaDiag COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test (VivaCheck Biotech Co., Ltd) with Abbott Real Time PCR SARS-CoV-2 assay to recognize infection during its acute phase so that it's possible to evaluate the use of commercially available assays in clinical practice. RESULTS: Of the 1,100 patients tested with serological and rapid test, 1,085 were negative both to serological and rapid test, 4 patients were positive at rapid (2 for IgM and 2 for IgG) but negative serological test, 11 patients were positive at serological test but negative to rapid. Of the 300 tested with oropharyngeal swab and rapid test, 294 were negative both to swab and rapid test, 2 positives both to swab and rapid test, 3 positives at swab but negative at rapid test, 1 negative at swab but positive at rapid test. CONCLUSIONS: the combined use of these tests according to the specific needs of users, allows a reliable identification of infected patients in the acute phase, distinguishing them from subjects with an antibody response from a previous infection.

Facing COVID-19 pandemic: development of custom-made face mask with rapid prototyping system.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a global pandemic. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. Therefore, the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals is essential. 3D printing technology could represent a valid option to ameliorate PPE shortages. METHODOLOGY: Custom-made face mask were designed on the basis of facial scan and then 3D-printed. The whole protocol is executed with freeware software and only required a 3D printer. Six healthcare workers wore the device weekly thus expressing a judgment regarding quality of work, respiratory and skin comfort. RESULTS: The estimated total cost of a single mask is approximately 5 USD. The virtual design of a complete mask lasted 68 minutes on average. Most healthcare workers rated comfort as very good. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the encouraging results obtained, we can confidently confirm that custom-made masks are novel and useful devices that may be used in the fight against COVID-19.

Guidelines and Recommendations for Patient Management, Surgical Activities, and Safety in the Maxillofacial Unit and Head and Neck Department During COVID-19 Pandemic.

The recent pandemic has led to an unprecedented overload of sanitary systems around the world. Despite that a maxillofacial department is not a frontline specialty in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 infections, our department has found itself faced with numerous problems in keeping the care system active and efficient while ensuring safety for patients and healthcare professionals. Massive redistribution of health personnel was needed to improve prevention and personal safety measures. The education and training system has been kept active, giving residents a decisive role in managing the state of emergency response. This article outlines new guidelines for infection prevention: from clinical control, treatment processes, clinical management, protection, and disinfection of healthcare professionals.