Positive or Negative? Implementation Processes and Pitfalls of Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 Testing at a Single Academic Institution

BACKGROUND: Preoperative screening and testing for SARS-CoV-2 are important aspects of reopening perioperative and procedural sites to elective cases after the initial wave of the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, given that modern healthcare has never experienced a pandemic of this magnitude, rapid operationalization of mass testing presents unique challenges. We aim to highlight our experiences and challenges for preoperative SARS-CoV-2 testing. METHODS: We describe implementation of widespread screening tools and preoperative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in a single, academic medical center. RESULTS: As of August 2020, we have been able to achieve an over 90% success rate in preoperative SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing for both outpatient and inpatient procedures. However, there are certain challenges in obtaining high levels of compliance both on individual and institutional levels. CONCLUSIONS: Instituting preoperative SARS-CoV-2 testing and maintaining high levels of compliance is possible in the midst of a fluctuating pandemic.