All admissions are now tested for COVID-19 either pre-procedure or at the time of admission. Concerns have arisen over patients who have been hospitalized for a long duration who then require a surgery or invasive procedure. While there is no national guidance on this topic, Kettering Health Network recommends the following:
- Patients needing an emergent procedure should proceed without additional COVID testing. If the patient has been hospitalized for greater than 7 days, then a COVID PCR (not rapid test) can be ordered post-procedure. The patient does not require transfer to a designated unit while awaiting the test result.
- For non-emergent surgeries or procedures, a repeat COVID PCR (not rapid test) can be sent if the patient has been hospitalized for greater than 7 days. The patient does not require transfer to a designated unit while awaiting the result.
- Patients who have a negative COVID-19 result within the last 7 days do not require any re-testing prior to surgery or invasive procedures.