Factors leading to delayed testing from the time of symptom onset for COVID-19 by health-care personnel: A study from all india institute of medical sciences, New Delhi

Background and Objectives: Early testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 infection can help decrease the spread of the virus. Undoubtedly, health-care workers (HCWs) have been the frontline warriors in the COVID-19 pandemic and are at maximum risk of acquiring the infection. We thereby conducted this study to assess the factors that lead to delayed testing after symptom onset in health-care personnel. Methodology: This single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at a dedicated COVID-19 Employee Health Services Outpatient Department at a tertiary care center, New Delhi, in July 2020. HCWs who were suspected COVID and presented for testing were included in the study. The duration between symptom onset and date of testing was noted. Delayed testing was defined as testing after 24 h from symptom onset. Results: A total of 653 HCWs were included in the study, and 55.9% were males. Female workers presented after a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 3.43 days (1.91) from symptom onset as compared to male counterparts 3.16 days (1.84). Frontline HCWs who managed patients directly had delayed testing when compared to others at mean (SD) days of 3.46 (1.96) versus 3.13 (1.79), P = 0.04. Conclusion: In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, prevention and mitigation of the disease are still the mainstays of combating the disease, for the given fact that treatment and immunization still remain largely unanswered. All HCWs, irrespective of sex, age, and place of working, should be routinely reiterated, motivated, and reinforced for early testing in case of COVID-19-related symptoms.