Second, we did not perform a longitudinal seroconversion analysis to assess effects of infection control measures over time. these studies NU6027 have focused on the general population and have not been specific to healthcare workers (HCWs), who accounted for ~11% of cases early in the Rabbit Polyclonal to Cytochrome P450 17A1 pandemic.3 Identifying seroprevalence among HCWs may provide insights into exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and effectiveness of infection control policies. Methods Study setting Sharp HealthCare is usually a multidisciplinary healthcare system in San Diego County, with 4 acute-care hospitals, an inpatient behavioral health hospital, and 3 skilled nursing facilities. Over the study period, the average system-wide daily census of COVID-19 positive patients was 87: 43% at Chula Vista (southern San Diego), 27% each at Grossmont (eastern) and Metropolitan (central), and 3% at Coronado (bay area). This point prevalence study occurred from May 20 through June 8, 2020. Institutional review board review was obtained prior to study enrollment. Infection control measures All COVID-19 confirmed cases and persons under investigation were placed in unfavorable pressure rooms with airborne and contact precautions. Visitors were excluded from our hospitals starting March 18, 2020. Telemedicine was made available starting March 19, 2020. Permissive masking for HCWs began on March 30, 2020. Universal masking for all those patients and staff, regardless of COVID-19 status, began April 22, 2020. Inclusion and exclusion criteria HCWs with direct contact to patients with COVID-19 and those working in congregate care areas were invited to this study. High-risk care occupational areas were defined as intensive care units, COVID-19 designated acute-care units, and emergency departments. Congregate care areas were defined as nursing facilities and behavioral health units. Additionally, respiratory therapists, anesthesiologists, and endoscopy technicians at highest exposure to NU6027 aerosol-generating procedures were included. Phlebotomists were also included given the large volume of direct patient exposure, including COVID-19Crelated care areas. Staff without direct patient care responsibilities and HCWs with active symptoms of COVID-19 were excluded from the study. Study design Study participants were invited NU6027 through the hospitals Employee Occupational Health Department. Study participants were instructed on how to perform a self-collected nares PCR-based test and collection was supervised by a study nurse. A paired nurse-drawn serum for antibody testing was also collected. Study participants were asked to complete a study questionnaire to report demographic information and prior COVID-19 testing or exposures. If study participants did not report working in prespecified high-risk care areas, survey data were cross referenced with the EOHD database to ensure accuracy. Laboratory methods Nasal PCRs were conducted using Roche SARS CoV-2 qualitative real-time PCR (Cobas 6800 platform, Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN). Serology testing was performed using Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (Cobas platform) immunoassay. The immunoassay utilizes high-affinity antibodies, with a reported specificity of 99.8% and sensitivity of 100% at >14 days after PCR confirmation. Statistical NU6027 analysis Unadjusted associations between all characteristics and the outcomes of a positive PCR test or a positive antibody test were explored using the Pearson 2 or the Fisher exact test, with < .05 level of statistical significance, using SAS version 9.4 software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Additional univariate and bivariate analyses compared participant characteristics and outcomes based on previous history of COVID-19. Saturated multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the adjusted odds of positive PCR or antibody assessments. C-statistics were used to measure the models discriminatory value. Results Overall, 4,258 HCWs were invited to this study, of whom 1,897 participated. However, 127 were excluded: 75 were nonCbedside-care staff, 47 did not work in high-risk care areas, and 5 had incomplete survey results. None of the excluded participants had a positive antibody or PCR result. Demographic and survey results of.