Utility of RT-PCR versus electronic track and trace system for pre-procedural COVID-19 screening- a retrospective cohort study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15379
• Publication Date: 2023-04-12T00:23:05Z
• Authors: Ammar Chapra; Zohaib Yousaf; Merlin Marry Thomas; Ahmed Ali A Al-Mo...; Hisham Abdelaleem...; Mansoor Hameed
• Keywords: Contact tracing

COVID-19 has disrupted the patient workflow in all healthcare settings. Procedures such as bronchoscopy and spirometry require additional pre-procedure screening for SARS-CoV-2. However, there is uncertainty regarding utility of this universal screening. The State Qatar a robust contact tracing system place form mobile application 'Ehteraz.' This study assesses various pre-procedural measures asymptomatic patients generate recommendations any potential improvement workflow.This cross-sectional who had SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR performed before or lung function testing scheduled on an elective basis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize determine sample characteristics. rate positive PCR test result was subsequently calculated.Two (0.34%) tested their screen. Four (0.68%) inconclusive result.The positivity extremely low individuals screened spirometry. authors recommend symptom electronic application-based instead individuals.