The role of diagnostic management in COVID-19 screening of asymptomatic patients admitted for elective surgery

Abstract

Background: Due to the high risk of COVID-19 transmission by asymptomatic patients, the aim of this study was to evaluate chest computed tomography (CT) and blood differential test as an additional COVID-19 screening tool for patients undergoing elective or urgent surgery. Patients and Methods: The preoperative assessment of 118 patients hospitalized from June to July 2020 included real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction RNA test before elective surgery or rapid antigen test in emergency patients. The diagnostics were supplemented by chest CT and a complete blood count with a blood smear in all patients. Results: None of the hospitalized patients had molecular, serological or radiographic symptoms of COVID-19 infection. The chest CT revealed non-COVID-19 pathologies in a total of 48 patients. Leukocytosis and lymphopenia were typical of emergency patients. Conclusion: Routine chest CT scans have no benefit in screening for potential COVID-19 changes in asymptomatic patients. Blood differential tests are readily available, which makes them more helpful in COVID-19 screening.