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Early experience with universal SARS-CoV-2 testing in a New York-based reproductive endocrinology practice
Julian A Gingold1,2, Sharon Galperin3, Sabrina Fowler3
1Montefiore Medical Center,Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, NY, USA.
Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine
|March 17, 2021
Summary
Universal SARS-CoV-2 screening in fertility clinics is feasible, with a 2% positive rate per cycle. Most positive cases involved prior infections, but ongoing infectiousness remains unclear, impacting fertility treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated fertility clinic closures and the implementation of universal SARS-CoV-2 screening upon reopening.
- The actual rate of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests and the clinical necessity of such screening in fertility patients were previously unknown.
- Understanding these rates is crucial for patient safety and the continuation of assisted reproductive technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report early findings on the feasibility and yield of universal SARS-CoV-2 screening in a New York fertility practice.
- To determine the rate of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests among patients undergoing fertility treatments.
- To analyze the clinical course and prior infection history of patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- A mixed prospective-retrospective cohort study included 164 patients undergoing fertility treatment between May and July 2020.
- Patients completed 1-3 nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 tests per treatment cycle, remaining asymptomatic to proceed.
- Data collected included SARS-CoV-2 test results, prior COVID-19 history, and patient/cycle characteristics through October 2020.
Main Results:
- A total of 460 SARS-CoV-2 screening tests were performed across 263 cycles.
- Six patients (2.3% of cycles) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; 4 had a prior history of COVID-19, with 3 having a documented prior positive RNA test.
- Two cycles (0.8%) identified new asymptomatic infections; all positive patients were cleared for treatment within one month.
Conclusions:
- Universal SARS-CoV-2 screening in fertility settings is feasible, demonstrating an approximate 2% positive rate per cycle in this cohort.
- The majority of positive tests were associated with prior COVID-19 infections, highlighting the complexity of interpreting screening results.
- Further research is needed to clarify the infectiousness of individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infections undergoing fertility treatments.
