ABSTRACT
Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are one of the most vulnerable groups for COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 PCR was offered to HCWs who had symptoms compatible with COVID-19 or who had a close contact with COVID-19 patient. A rapid antibody test was used to identify the risk of exposure of the HCWs who worked at high-risk units in our hospital during the first month of the pandemic. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of this approach. Materials and Methods: The records of the HCWs from a university hospital who were tested by SARS-CoV-2 PCR or rapid antibody test between March 12, 2020 and April 04, 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics of HCWs were extracted from the electronic database. Wards or outpatient clinics that served COVID-19 patients were defined as high-risk units. Results: A total of 599 HCWs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR and 409 by rapid antibody test. Thirty-seven (6.2%) were found to be PCR positive. Eleven (29.7%) out of 37 HCWs were asymptomatic when they were tested. There was no statistically significant relationship between PCR positivity and occupation or working unit. A positive PCR result was detected in 24 HCWs during the first admission. Eleven out of 114 HCWs who were tested by a second PCR were found to be positive and two out of 17 HCWs who were tested by a third test were reported as PCR positive. Median interval between the first and second PCR was seven days (IQR= 8.5 days) and median interval between second and third PCR test was 4.5 days for the HCWs who were reported as positive at repeated PCR tests. Rapid antibody test was positive in one HCW who did not have a history of COVID-19. Conclusion: Approximately, one third of the SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive HCWs were asymptomatic. In case of increasing incidence of COVID-19 in the community, a regular screening policy for the HCWs regardless of their occupation and contact tracing might help to have a safe environment in hospitals. Screening policy should be based on well validated tests.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure and risk of contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), among healthcare workers (HCWs) at a tertiary hospital early in the pandemic. Materials and Methods: HCWs who presented at an occupational health outpatient clinic for COVID-19 contact tracing or assessment before returning to work between March 30, 2020 and May 31, 2020 were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The dependent variable used was a COVID-19 diagnosis;the independent variables used were gender, marital status, age, occupation, smoking, presence of chronic disease, symptoms of COVID-19, source of contact, risk classification, and work in a COVID-19 unit. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with the risk of COVID-19 and sources of infection. Results: A total of 603 HCWs presented at the clinic during the study period. The most frequent sources of contact with SARS-CoV-2 were infected co-workers (50.7%) and patients at work (28.2%), followed by household contacts (9.9%). Those who worked in a COVID-19 unit had a 3.55 times greater risk of a COVID-19 diagnosis than other HCWs when adjusted for age, gender, and risk classification. Conclusion: HCWs frequently face exposure to potential infection. Sufficient support for these workers to ensure adequate awareness of and compliance with protocols is of critical importance to protect public health. The results of this study also suggest consideration of the possibility of another source of contact for HCWs included in the no risk category. Regular screening for COVID-19 may be advisable.