Usefulness of PCR screening in the initial triage of trauma patients during COVID-19 pandemic
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma Sep 28, 2020
Porcel-Vazquez JA, Andres-Peiro JV, Garcia-Sanchez Y, et al. - Researchers evaluated screening using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for COVID-19 on admission for all patients with fractures. In this retrospective cohort study, they assessed patients older than 18 years who were admitted with low-energy fractures and were screened using RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 at any time during hospitalization. They defined two periods based on the applied testing protocol. During the first period, screening of patients was done only because of epidemiological criteria or clinical suspicion based on fever, respiratory symptoms, or radiological findings. In the second period, screening of all patients admitted for fracture treatment was done using RT-qPCR. Fifteen patients in the first period and 42 in the second were identified. Observations suggest symptom-based screening for COVID-19 as specific but not sensitive. Infection can not be ruled out with negative clinical symptoms. They emphasize essentiality of protocols and separated areas for treating infected patients. RT-qPCR testing on admission is suggested as valuable for attaining reduction in the risk of nosocomial and occupational infection.
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