Staff testing for COVID-19 via an online pre-registration form

Structured Abstract Background Healthcare workers are at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and potentially causing institutional outbreaks. Staff testing is critical in identifying and isolating infected individuals while also reducing unnecessary workforce depletion. Tygerberg Hospital implemented an online pre-registration system to expedite staff and cluster testing. Objectives We aimed to identify (1) specific presentations associated with a positive or negative result for SARS-CoV-2 and (2) staff sectors where enhanced strategies for testing might be required. Methods Retrospective descriptive study involving all clients making use of the hospital’s pre-registration system during May 2020. Results Of 799 clients, most were young and female with few comorbidities. The most common occupation was nurses followed by administrative staff, doctors and general assistants. Doctors tested earlier compared to other staff (median: 1.5 vs 4 days). The most frequent presenting symptoms were headache, sore throat, cough and myalgia. Amongst those testing positive (n=105), fever, altered smell, altered taste sensation, chills and history of fever were the most common symptoms. Three or more symptoms was more predictive of a positive test, but 12/145 asymptomatic clients also tested positive. Conclusion Staff coronavirus testing using an online pre-registration form is a viable and acceptable strategy. While some presentations are less likely to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, no symptom can completely exclude it. Staff testing should form part of a bundle of strategies to protect staff including wearing masks, regular hand washing, buddy screening, physical distancing, availability of PPE and special dispensation for COVID-19-related leave. Unstructured Abstract Hospital staff testing is critical to identify and isolate SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals while reducing unnecessary workforce depletion. Tygerberg Hospital implemented an online pre-registration system to expedite staff testing. In a retrospective descriptive study of all clients registering during May 2020 (N=799), we found rapid and sustained uptake of the system. The most frequent presenting symptoms were headache, sore throat, cough and myalgia. Amongst those testing positive (n=105), fever, altered smell, altered taste sensation and chills were the most likely symptoms, but 12/145 asymptomatic clients also tested positive. Staff testing should form part of a bundle of strategies to protect staff.