COVID-19 Antibody Surveillance Among Healthcare Workers in A Non-COVID designated Cardiology Centre

Ling, Hwei Sung and Pang, Ing Xiang and Fong, Alan Yean Yip and Ong, Tiong Kiam and Khiew, Ning Zhang and Cham, Yee Ling and Asri, Said and Oon, Yen Yee and Koh, Keng Tat and Tan, Chen Ting and Ho, Kian Hui and Shu, Francis Eng Pbeng and Bhavnani, Chandan Deepak and Chen, Lean Seng (2020) COVID-19 Antibody Surveillance Among Healthcare Workers in A Non-COVID designated Cardiology Centre. Authorea. pp. 1-13.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reports on healthcare worker antibody response to COVID-19 infection are scarce. We aim to determine theCOVID-19 antibody prevalence among healthcare workers in a cardiology centre and the relationship between case definitioncriteria with the COVID-19 antibody result. METHODS: Convenience sampling was applied. Healthcare workers in SarawakHeart Centre (SHC) cardiology, radiology, and emergency unit were recruited. A survey form on clinical symptoms and closecontact history was distributed. HEALGEN COVID-19 IgG/IgM rapid test was performed using serum/ whole blood specimen.Staff with positive COVID-19 antibody results were referred to the infectious disease specialist for assessment. RESULTS: Atotal of 310 staff were screened. 220(71%) were female, and the mean age was 36±7.7 years old. 46(14.8%) staff reported havingclinical symptoms at some stage from the end of January 2020 to the time of this surveillance. Number of staff who had a historyof overseas travel, close contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients, or had visited places with identified COVID-19 clusterswere 4(1.3%), 24(7.7%) and 24(7.7%) respectively. There were 14 staff (4.5%) with positive tests positive, 2 for IgM, and 12for IgG. All those with positive antibody were subsequently tested negative with RT-PCR test. The history of having clinicalsymptoms and exposure to COVID-19 cluster area were independently associated with a positive IgG result. CONCLUSION:The application of COVID-19 antibody serology rapid tests could determine true exposure of staff to the infection and allowus to reassess existing measures of infection control within the hospital.

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