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Program

Surgery

Institution

Henry Ford Health System

Abstract

Background: There is concern that frontline healthcare personnel (HCP) are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 compared to the general population. Multiple studies have demonstrated significant seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in HCP. Increased seropositivity has been associated with reduced use of personal protective equipment (PPE) along with reported PPE shortages. This investigation aims to determine the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in frontline HCP working at a quaternary care center that was heavily impacted by the initial surge of COVID-19, while also identifying underlying factors associated with increased seropositivity.

Methods & Materials: HCP who participated in the management of COVID-19 patients were recruited from April 27 to May 13 of 2020. Unidentifiable demographic data was collected, including a questionnaire to identify potential exposure, symptoms, medical comorbidities, and adherence to PPE usage on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being always, 5 being never). Serological testing was performed using CMC-19D SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Rapid Antibody Test manufactured by Audacia Bioscience. Seropositivity was captured by formation of a dark band at the G (IgG) and C (control) positions on the test device, while IgM alone was considered a false positive. Pearson chi-squared and Fisher exact tests were performed to analyze categorical variables. SPSS version 27.0 was used for statistical analysis (SPSS, Armonk, NY).

Conclusion: Overall seropositivity of IgG antibodies was 10.6%. Non-ICU personnel showed higher seroprevalence compared to ICU personnel, this may be attributed to decreased reported adherence to strict PPE usage in non-ICU areas compared to ICU areas during patient contact. Compared to MICU, SICU personnel appeared to be less compliant with frequency of PPE use outside patient rooms. Adherence to PPE usage outside patient contact was a predictor of seropositivity, and non-ICU personnel had a tendency toward high seroprevalence.

Presentation Date

6-4-2021

Addressing COVID-19 in the surgical ICU: Incidence of antibodies in healthcare personnel at a quaternary care center

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