Rapid Covid-19 Antibodies Screening Testing Combined With Clinical Evaluation For Resuming Activities In The Endoscopy Unit: A Single-Center Experience

Aims We aimed to evaluate the combination of telemedicine consultation and routinely serological screening for resumingactivities in the endoscopy unit. Methods A single-center, cohort study (April/15 to May/22). Patients were screened via telemedicine consult by apulmonologist for a history of acute symptoms, close contacts, or exposure to COVID-19. Serological screening within 24-hours prior to endoscopic procedures was performed and combined with clinical interpretation. The endoscopy staff wasscreened for symptoms and COVID-19 infection via PCR-swab before and after the protocol instauration for resumingactivities. Social distancing on the preparation, endoscopy, and recovering room, as well as personal protective equipment, and an aerosol box shield for intubation in those cases requiring general anesthesia. Patients were follow-up up to 4-weeksand screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Results 127 patients were included in the study period. 9/127 exhibited positive IgM antibodies against COVID-19 (7/9patients had mild clinical presentation whereas 2/9 were asymptomatic). Their endoscopic procedures were differed until anegative PCR-swab test was obtained. 118 patients were submitted to endoscopic procedures following the protocol. Themedian age was 45 years, 64.4 % were female. The mean body temperature of 37 C. 13.6 % were hospitalized patients. Ofthe 118 patients treated, 53.4 % were for therapeutic procedures while 46.6 % were diagnostic. 85.6 % of the procedures were categorized as non-urgent whereas 14.4 % as urgent. The frequencies of the endoscopic procedures were describedas: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy 45.8 %, colonoscopy 2.5 %, ERCP 22.0 %, cholangioscopy 15.3 %, and endoscopicultrasound 14.4 %. Any nosocomial COVID-19 infection within the endoscopy staff and patients was reported during theprotocol and 1-month follow-up. Conclusions A combined telemedicine consultation following by a serological screening allows a safe resuming of activitiesin the endoscopy unit at a low cost. Social distancing during preparation and recovery room, as well as personal protectiveequipment, plays a role in managing the spreading of COVID-19.