A nucleic acid amplification test‐based strategy does not help inform return to work for healthcare workers with COVID‐19 |
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Authors: | Diego R. Hijano James M. Hoffman Richard J. Webby Li Tang Hana Hakim Randall T. Hayden Aditya H. Gaur |
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Abstract: | ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess the utility of a nucleic acid amplification test‐based approach to shorten isolation of healthcare workers (HCWs) with COVID‐19 in the setting of the highly transmissible omicron variant.MethodsBetween December 24, 2021, and January 5, 2022, HCWs who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 were retested with PCR at least 5 days since onset of symptoms.ResultsForty‐six sequential fully COVID‐19 vaccinated HCWs who had tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 underwent follow‐up testing. All the samples were confirmed as omicron variants and only four (8.7%) were negative in the follow‐up test performed at a median of 6 (range 5–12) since onset of symptoms.ConclusionsImplementation of a test‐based strategy is logistically challenging, increases costs, and did not lead to shorter isolation in our institution. |
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Keywords: | antigen test, COVID‐ 19, healthcare workers, isolation, NAAT, SARS‐ CoV‐ 2 |
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