Epidemiological Algorithm for Early Detection of COVID-19 Cases in a Mexican Oncologic Center

An early detection tool for latent COVID-19 infections in oncology staff and patients is essential to prevent outbreaks in a cancer center. (1) Background: In this study, we developed and implemented two early detection tools for the radiotherapy area to identify COVID-19 cases opportunely. (2) Meth...

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Main Authors: Moisés González-Escamilla, Diana Cristina Pérez-Ibave, Carlos Horacio Burciaga-Flores, Vanessa Natali Ortiz-Murillo, Genaro A. Ramírez-Correa, Patricia Rodríguez-Niño, Rafael Piñeiro-Retif, Hazyadee Frecia Rodríguez-Gutiérrez, Fernando Alcorta-Nuñez, Juan Francisco González-Guerrero, Oscar Vidal-Gutiérrez, María Lourdes Garza-Rodríguez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-03-01
Series:Healthcare
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/3/462
Description
Summary:An early detection tool for latent COVID-19 infections in oncology staff and patients is essential to prevent outbreaks in a cancer center. (1) Background: In this study, we developed and implemented two early detection tools for the radiotherapy area to identify COVID-19 cases opportunely. (2) Methods: Staff and patients answered a questionnaire (electronic and paper surveys, respectively) with clinical and epidemiological information. The data were collected through two online survey tools: Real-Time Tracking (R-Track) and Summary of Factors (S-Facts). Cut-off values were established according to the algorithm models. SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR tests confirmed the positive algorithms individuals. (3) Results: Oncology staff members (<i>n</i> = 142) were tested, and 14% (<i>n</i> = 20) were positives for the R-Track algorithm; 75% (<i>n</i> = 15) were qRT-PCR positive. The S-Facts Algorithm identified 7.75% (<i>n</i> = 11) positive oncology staff members, and 81.82% (<i>n</i> = 9) were qRT-PCR positive. Oncology patients (<i>n</i> = 369) were evaluated, and 1.36% (<i>n</i> = 5) were positive for the Algorithm used. The five patients (100%) were confirmed by qRT-PCR. (4) Conclusions: The proposed early detection tools have proved to be a low-cost and efficient tool in a country where qRT-PCR tests and vaccines are insufficient for the population.
ISSN:2227-9032