Screening for SARS-COV-2 Using RT-qPCR in Patients with Hematologic Neoplasms Receiving Chemotherapy
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Published:2023
Issue:1
Volume:124
Page:33-39
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ISSN:1214-6994
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Container-title:Prague Medical Report
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Prague Med. Rep.
Author:
Santarelli Ignacio Martín,Sierra Mariela,Fernández Sofía Isabel
Abstract
It has been recommended that patients with leukaemias and lymphomas undergo universal screening for SARS-COV-2 using RT-qPCR before each treatment on the grounds of their high risk of experiencing severe forms of COVID-19. This raises a conflict with different recommendations which prioritise testing symptomatic patients. We found that among 56 RT-qPCR obtained in asymptomatic patients with hematologic neoplasms before chemotherapy administration, 2 (3.5%) were positive. A negative result did not exclude SARS-COV-2 infection in 1 patient (1.8%). It is unclear what the benefit of screening for SARS-COV-2 using RT-qPCR in patients with hematologic neoplasms who receive chemotherapy is.
Publisher
Charles University in Prague, Karolinum Press
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