COVID-19 Antibody Surveillance Among Healthcare Workers in A Non-COVID
designated Cardiology Centre
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reports on healthcare worker antibody response to COVID-19
infection are scarce. We aim to determine the COVID-19 antibody
prevalence among healthcare workers in a cardiology centre and the
relationship between case definition criteria with the COVID-19 antibody
result. METHODS: Convenience sampling was applied. Healthcare workers in
Sarawak Heart Centre (SHC) cardiology, radiology, and emergency unit
were recruited. A survey form on clinical symptoms and close contact
history was distributed. HEALGEN COVID-19 IgG/IgM rapid test was
performed using serum/ whole blood specimen. Staff with positive
COVID-19 antibody results were referred to the infectious disease
specialist for assessment. RESULTS: A total of 310 staff were screened.
220(71%) were female, and the mean age was 36±7.7 years old. 46(14.8%)
staff reported having clinical symptoms at some stage from the end of
January 2020 to the time of this surveillance. Number of staff who had a
history of overseas travel, close contact with confirmed COVID-19
patients, or had visited places with identified COVID-19 clusters were
4(1.3%), 24(7.7%) and 24(7.7%) respectively. There were 14 staff
(4.5%) with positive tests positive, 2 for IgM, and 12 for IgG. All
those with positive antibody were subsequently tested negative with
RT-PCR test. The history of having clinical symptoms and exposure to
COVID-19 cluster area were independently associated with a positive IgG
result. CONCLUSION: The application of COVID-19 antibody serology rapid
tests could determine true exposure of staff to the infection and allow
us to reassess existing measures of infection control within the
hospital.