Q&A: Testing for COVID-19

This is part 2 of a 2-part series.

PART 1: Q&A: Reopening Safely

Testing is a key measure of safety for physicians reopening their doors during the coronavirus pandemic. In our webinar, “Best Practices for Reopening the Private Practice Amidst COVID-19,” we fielded more than 90 questions from our audience. Those questions about testing that we did not answer live are answered by our panelists here.

Join us in our next webinar, “Medico-legal Concerns for the Private Practice During COVID-19,” to learn about liability unique to this time, strategies for avoiding “adverse outcome” disasters and measures to protect yourself from litigation. Register Today

Q: Should our office staff be tested — antibody or PCR?

Jason Pozner, M.D., Plastic Surgeon, Boca Raton, Fla.: “We did antibody testing on everyone.”

Q: Is it useful to test surgical patients for COVID-19 immediately prior to surgery? (eg, with an IgG/IgM finger stick blood test)

Dr. Pozner: “I think the antibody test is pretty worthless for surgical patients unless IgG positive. we are testing via PCR for GA or IV sedation patients.”

Q: Can you explain how an IgG/IgM test would influence your decision to treat or not?

Dr. Pozner: “If IgG positive, it means they had it a while ago and most likely are immune. IgM I’m not sure at this point.”

Q: How to handle positive COVID tests and implications of positive various types of preop tests?

Dr. Pozner: “If positive - delay and retest in few weeks.