COVID-19 testing not crucial for every surgical patient, anesthesiologists say

Perioperative COVID-19 testing is no longer recommended for every patient undergoing nonemergent surgery in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, according to a new guidance from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. 

Advertisement

The guidance, updated June 15, encourages healthcare facilities in areas with low to moderate community spread to consider “a more permissive approach” to testing if the patient is asymptomatic, fully vaccinated and having a lower-risk procedure.

ASA and APSF previously recommended COVID-19 testing for all patients undergoing surgery, regardless of vaccination status.

Facilities in areas with high COVID-19 transmission should continue testing every patient before surgery. 

View the full guidance here.

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

The 2 KPIs that drive readmissions — and how hospitals act on them in real time

Tuesday, August 11
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenter: Nik Rao, Dexur

Advertisement

Next Up in Infection Control

Advertisement

Comments are closed.