Experience of COVID-19 universal screening in obstetrical units in Quebec, Canada.

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some jurisdictions used universal screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection at obstetrical units. This study evaluated the utility of this screening strategy.

METHODS

We assessed the asymptomatic infection rate and test positivity rate at six obstetrical units in Quebec, Canada.

RESULTS

32,663 parturients were admitted to the six obstetrical units, of which 77.5% were tested for SARS-CoV-2 on admission. Among all six sites, 388 parturients (1.2% [95% CI 1.07% to 1.31%]) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Of these, 74.2% were asymptomatic. Rates of positive asymptomatic admissions were similar across sites, ranging from 0.5% to 1.3%. Test positivity rates among parturients varied across the pandemic, ranging from 0.0% to 9.0%. Three nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred, with two occurring at the same site.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-universal strategies such as symptom-based screening and personal protective equipment may be more practical and cost effective for future respiratory pandemics.