Implementation and Impact of Universal Pre-procedure Testing of Patients for COVID-19 prior to Endoscopy

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 64,479 cases of COVID-19 infection and 309 deaths amongst United States (U.S.) healthcare workers as of May 30th 2020.1 Endoscopy room staff may be at increased risk for acquiring infection, as COVID-19 is detectable in the gastrointestinal tract,2 and endoscopy is an aerosol generating procedure. U.S. Gastroenterology societies issued guidance to delay elective procedures for reasons including minimizing risk of transmission of infection within hospitals/to vital healthcare workers.3 Concern regarding acquiring COVID-19 infection in the workplace/transmitting this to family is a source of significant stress for endoscopy unit personnel across the U.S.4 Recognizing these issues, our institution initiated a program for pre-procedure COVID-19 testing for all patients undergoing endoscopy, starting April 1st 2020. Pre-procedure testing was subsequently supported by joint American Gastroenterology Association/Digestive Health Physicians Association guidance on April 27th2020.5 We assessed the outcomes/impact of our first 8 weeks of pre-procedural screening/testing for COVID-19.