Abstract

Research Article

Universal testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 upon admission to three labor and delivery units in Santa Clara County, CA

Sophia Yang, Rishi Bhatnagar, James Byrne and Andrea Jelks*

Published: 31 August, 2020 | Volume 3 - Issue 2 | Pages: 109-113

Objective: To determine the prevalence of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in labor and delivery units in one of the epicentres of the West Coast.

Study Design: This was a retrospective chart review of patients admitted to labor and delivery from April 15, 2020-May 15, 2020 after implementation of a universal testing policy on Labor and Delivery.

Results: The prevalence of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the admitted labor and delivery population was 2.5%, of whom 87.5% were asymptomatic.

Conclusion: We present additional data on the prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant patients on the West Coast, which is much lower compared to other locales, possibly as a result of aggressive ‘shelter in place’ policy. Universal screening is insufficient to detect asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 and thus rapid, universal testing should be prioritized for labor and delivery units for the protection of patients and staff, and to better allocate appropriate resources. 

Key points:

1. 2.5% of 320 patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

2. 87.5% of positive patients were asymptomatic.

3. Universal testing on labor and delivery is necessary.

4. ‘Shelter-in-place’ policies reduced SARS-CoV-2. 

Read Full Article HTML DOI: 10.29328/journal.cjog.1001060 Cite this Article Read Full Article PDF

Keywords:

Labor and delivery; Coronavirus disease 2019; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Pregnancy

References

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