Increased risk of COVID-19 in haemodialysis healthcare workers in a tertiary centre in the North West of England

Gray, Simon; Clough, Toni; Mcgee, Yvonne; Murphy, Tracey; Poulikakos, Dimitrios

doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2020.07.030

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 4 publications

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“…An occupational risk exposure audit was conducted at the end of the first wave of the pandemic showing increased risk of COVID-19 infection in HD nurses covering the COVID-19 isolation area [ 15 ] with 23% having been diagnosed with COVID-19 on nose and throat swabs. Based on this finding, we implemented enhanced PPE precautions using visors, filtering facepiece 3 (FFP3) mask, and long sleeved fluid-repellent surgical gown and gloves for nurses caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Quality Improvement Project to Minimize COVID-19 Infections in Patients Receiving Haemodialysis and the Role of Routine Surveillance Using Nose and Throat Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR and Serum Antibody Testing

Poulikakos

Chinnadurai

Mcgee

et al. 2021

Nephron

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Background: Patients receiving in-centre haemodialysis (ICHD) are highly vulnerable to COVID-19. Objective: We created a quality improvement (QI) project aimed to eliminate outbreaks of COVID-19 in haemodialysis units and evaluated the utility of surveillance rRT-PCR test and SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies for prompt identification of patients infected with COVID-19. Methods: A multifaceted QI programme including a bundle of infection prevention control (IPC) measures was implemented across 5 ICHD units following the first wave of the pandemic in June 2020. Primary outcomes evaluated before and after QI implementation were incidence of outbreaks and severe COVID-19 illness defined as COVID-19-related death or hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients identified in the pre-symptomatic/asymptomatic phase on surveillance rRT-PCR screening and the incidence and longevity of SARS-CoV-2 antibody response. Results: Following the implementation of the QI project, there were no further outbreaks. Pre- and post-implementation comparison showed a significant reduction in COVID-19-related mortality and hospitalization (26 vs. 13 events, respectively, p < 0.001). Surveillance rRT-PCR screening identified 39 asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases out of a total of 59 rRT-PCR-positive patients (39/59, 66%). SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were detected in 72/74 (97%) rRT-PCR-positive patients. Amongst rRT-PCR-positive patients diagnosed before August 2020, 96% had detectable antibodies until January 2021 (days from the rRT-PCR test to last antibody testing, 245–280). Conclusions: Systematic implementation of a bundle of IPC measures using QI methodology and surveillance rRT-PCR eliminated outbreaks in HD facilities. Most HD patients mount and sustain antibody response to COVID-19 for over 8 months.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Quality Improvement Project to Minimize COVID-19 Infections in Patients Receiving Haemodialysis and the Role of Routine Surveillance Using Nose and Throat Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR and Serum Antibody Testing

Poulikakos

Chinnadurai

Mcgee

et al. 2021

Nephron

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Occupational exposure of healthcare workers to COVID-19 and infection prevention control measures in haemodialysis facilities in North West of England

Gray

Clough

Mcgee

et al. 2021

Infection Prevention in Practice

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Serology surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in COVID-19 designated facilities in Malaysia

Woon

Lee

Chong³

et al. 2021

The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific

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Background: Asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections are well documented. Healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased risk of infection due to occupational exposure to infected patients. We aim to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCW who did not come to medical attention. Methods:We prospectively recruited 400 HCW from the National Public Health Laboratory and two COVID-19 designated public hospitals in Klang Valley, Malaysia between 13/4/2020 and 12/5/2020. Quota sampling was used to ensure representativeness of HCW involved in direct and indirect patient care. All participants answered a self-administered questionnaire and blood samples were taken to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by surrogate virus neutralization test. Findings:The study population comprised 154 (38.5%) nurses, 103 (25.8%) medical doctors, 47 (11.8%) laboratory technologists and others (23.9%). A majority (68.9%) reported exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the past month within their respective workplaces. Adherence to personal protection equipment (PPE) guidelines and hand hygiene were good, ranging from 91-100% compliance. None (95% CI: 0, 0.0095) of the participants had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected, despite 182 (45.5%) reporting some symptoms one month prior to study recruitment. One hundred and fifteen (29%) of participants claimed to have had contact with known COVID-19 persons outside of their workplace.Interpretation: Zero seroprevalence among HCW suggests a low incidence of undiagnosed COVID-19 infection in our healthcare setting during the first local wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission within healthcare facilities can be prevented by adherence to infection control measures and appropriate use of PPE.

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Increased risk of COVID-19 in haemodialysis healthcare workers in a tertiary centre in the North West of England

Cited by 3 publications

References 4 publications

A Quality Improvement Project to Minimize COVID-19 Infections in Patients Receiving Haemodialysis and the Role of Routine Surveillance Using Nose and Throat Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR and Serum Antibody Testing

A Quality Improvement Project to Minimize COVID-19 Infections in Patients Receiving Haemodialysis and the Role of Routine Surveillance Using Nose and Throat Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR and Serum Antibody Testing

Occupational exposure of healthcare workers to COVID-19 and infection prevention control measures in haemodialysis facilities in North West of England

Serology surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in COVID-19 designated facilities in Malaysia

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