Questionnaire-based analysis of infection control and prevention strategies against COVID-19 in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation units in Japan, 2023.

There is no clear consensus regarding the optimal strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19 among hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) units. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 16 Japanese HSCT units in the greater Tokyo area to investigate the actual infection control strategies for COVID-19 implemented during 2023. Four facilities (25.0%) conducted active screening tests when patients were admitted to the HSCT unit. Regarding the admission of recipients with a history of COVID-19, 10 facilities (62.5%) had no clearly defined rules; instead, decisions were made based on factors such as the patient's symptoms, the local epidemic situation, clinical course, and absence of pneumonia. For current COVID-19 cases, 9 facilities (56.3%) set the standard isolation periods based on the number of days from the onset of symptoms. Microbiological retest results were used as a reference at 11 facilities (68.8%), and 6 facilities considered extended isolation periods with the retest results. Seven facilities (43.8%) implemented additional extended isolation management for recovered recipients who still required hospitalization. Although little is known about vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 among HSCT recipients and there is potential selection bias due to the small sample size, this summary serves as a reference for reviewing infection control strategies.