Rapid Covid-19 Antibodies Screening Testing Combined With Clinical Evaluation For Resuming Activities In The Endoscopy Unit: A Single-Center Experience

Aims We aimed to evaluate the combination of telemedicine consultation and routinely serological screening for resuming activities in the endoscopy unit.

Methods A single-center, cohort study (April/15 to May/22). Patients were screened via telemedicine consult by a pulmonologist for a history of acute symptoms, close contacts, or exposure to COVID-19. Serological screening within 24-hours prior to endoscopic procedures was performed and combined with clinical interpretation. The endoscopy staff was screened for symptoms and COVID-19 infection via PCR-swab before and after the protocol instauration for resuming activities. Social distancing on the preparation, endoscopy, and recovering room, as well as personal protective equipment, and an aerosol box shield for intubation in those cases requiring general anesthesia. Patients were follow-up up to 4-weeks and screened for COVID-19 symptoms.

Results 127 patients were included in the study period. 9/127 exhibited positive IgM antibodies against COVID-19 (7/9 patients had mild clinical presentation whereas 2/9 were asymptomatic). Their endoscopic procedures were differed until a negative PCR-swab test was obtained. 118 patients were submitted to endoscopic procedures following the protocol. The median age was 45 years, 64.4 % were female. The mean body temperature of 37 C. 13.6 % were hospitalized patients. Of the 118 patients treated, 53.4 % were for therapeutic procedures while 46.6 % were diagnostic. 85.6 % of the procedures were categorized as non-urgent whereas 14.4 % as urgent. The frequencies of the endoscopic procedures were described as: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy 45.8 %, colonoscopy 2.5 %, ERCP 22.0 %, cholangioscopy 15.3 %, and endoscopic ultrasound 14.4 %. Any nosocomial COVID-19 infection within the endoscopy staff and patients was reported during the protocol and 1-month follow-up.

Conclusions A combined telemedicine consultation following by a serological screening allows a safe resuming of activities in the endoscopy unit at a low cost. Social distancing during preparation and recovery room, as well as personal protective equipment, plays a role in managing the spreading of COVID-19.

Citation Robles-Medranda C, Oleas R, Alcivar-Vasquez J et al. eP488 RAPID COVID-19 ANTIBODIES SCREENING TESTING COMBINED WITH CLINICAL EVALUATION FOR RESUMING ACTIVITIES IN THE ENDOSCOPY UNIT: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE. Endoscopy 2021; 53: S259.

Publication History

Article published online:
19 March 2021