ABSTRACT
A comparison of rapid point-of-care serology tests using finger prick and venous blood was done on 278 participants. In a laboratory setting, immunoglobulin G (IgG) sensitivity neared 100%; however, IgG sensitivity dramatically dropped (82%) in field testing. Possible factors include finger prick volume variability, hemolysis, cassette readability, and operator training.
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional serological survey was carried out in two long-term care facilities that experienced COVID-19 outbreaks in order to evaluate current clinical COVID-19 case definitions. Among individuals with a negative or no previous COVID-19 diagnostic test, myalgias, headache, and loss of appetite were associated with serological reactivity. The US CDC probable case definition was also associated with seropositivity. Public health and infection control practitioners should consider these findings for case exclusion in outbreak settings.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 Serological Testing , COVID-19/diagnosis , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Infection Control , SARS-CoV-2 , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , British Columbia/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Policy , Humans , Long-Term Care , Male , Middle Aged , Public Health , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
Environmental sampling was conducted at long-term care facilities to determine the extent of surface contamination with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. Medical equipment used throughout the facility was determined to be contaminated.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/virology , Equipment Contamination/statistics & numerical data , Equipment and Supplies/virology , RNA, Viral/isolation & purification , Residential Facilities/statistics & numerical data , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/transmission , Canada/epidemiology , Cross Infection/epidemiology , Cross Infection/transmission , Cross Infection/virology , Disease Outbreaks , Environmental Monitoring , Humans , Long-Term CareABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To define the practice of travel medicine, provide the basics of a comprehensive pretravel consultation for international travelers, and assist in identifying patients who might require referral to travel medicine professionals. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Guidelines and recommendations on travel medicine and travel-related illnesses by national and international travel health authorities were reviewed. MEDLINE and EMBASE searches for related literature were also performed. MAIN MESSAGE: Travel medicine is a highly dynamic specialty that focuses on pretravel preventive care. A comprehensive risk assessment for each individual traveler is essential in order to accurately evaluate traveler-, itinerary-, and destination-specific risks, and to advise on the most appropriate risk management interventions to promote health and prevent adverse health outcomes during travel. Vaccinations might also be required and should be personalized according to the individual traveler's immunization history, travel itinerary, and the amount of time available before departure. CONCLUSION: A traveler's health and safety depends on a practitioner's level of expertise in providing pretravel counseling and vaccinations, if required. Those who advise travelers are encouraged to be aware of the extent of this responsibility and to refer all high-risk travelers to travel medicine professionals whenever possible.
