Microbiological screening tests for SARS-CoV-2 in the first hour since the hospital admission: A reliable tool for enhancing the safety of pediatric care

• Main Authors: Giuseppe Vetrugno (Author), Simone Grassi (Author), Francesco Clemente (Author), Francesca Cazzato (Author), Vittoria Rossi (Author), Vincenzo M. Grassi (Author), Danilo Buonsenso (Author), Laura Filograna (Author), Maurizio Sanguinetti (Author), Martina Focardi (Author), Piero Valentini (Author), Al Ozonoff (Author), Vilma Pinchi (Author), Antonio Oliva (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2022-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Introduction/purposeSince a significant proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections occur within healthcare facilities, a multidisciplinary approach is required for careful and timely assessment of the risk of infection in asymptomatic patients or those whose COVID-19 diagnosis has not yet been made. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an adaptative model based on microbiological testing can represent a valid risk management strategy.Material and methodsWe collected data from the risk management unit database of a 1,550-bed tertiary hospital (Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy) concerning pediatric admissions to the Emergency Department (ED) from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2021. The study period was subdivided in period A and period B according to the technique used for the microbiological screening, respectively reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antigen-detection test.ResultsIn Period A, 426 children (mean age: 6 years) underwent microbiological screening at the ED. The total number of molecular tests performed was 463. 459/463 tested negative at the molecular test. In Period B, 887 children (mean age: 6 years) underwent microbiological screening in the ED. The total number of molecular tests performed was 1,154. 1,117/1,154 tested negative at the molecular test. Neither in Period A nor in Period B hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections were reported.Discussion and conclusionDespite high volumes, no cases of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported. SARS-CoV-2 antigen-based tests can be used as a first-line option as they provide rapid results compared to RT-PCR, reducing the risk of infection in ED waiting rooms.

Item Description

2296-2360
10.3389/fped.2022.966901