Healthcare (Mar 2022)

Epidemiological Algorithm for Early Detection of COVID-19 Cases in a Mexican Oncologic Center

  • Moisés González-Escamilla,
  • Diana Cristina Pérez-Ibave,
  • Carlos Horacio Burciaga-Flores,
  • Vanessa Natali Ortiz-Murillo,
  • Genaro A. Ramírez-Correa,
  • Patricia Rodríguez-Niño,
  • Rafael Piñeiro-Retif,
  • Hazyadee Frecia Rodríguez-Gutiérrez,
  • Fernando Alcorta-Nuñez,
  • Juan Francisco González-Guerrero,
  • Oscar Vidal-Gutiérrez,
  • María Lourdes Garza-Rodríguez

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10030462
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 3
p. 462

Abstract

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An early detection tool for latent COVID-19 infections in oncology staff and patients is essential to prevent outbreaks in a cancer center. (1) Background: In this study, we developed and implemented two early detection tools for the radiotherapy area to identify COVID-19 cases opportunely. (2) Methods: Staff and patients answered a questionnaire (electronic and paper surveys, respectively) with clinical and epidemiological information. The data were collected through two online survey tools: Real-Time Tracking (R-Track) and Summary of Factors (S-Facts). Cut-off values were established according to the algorithm models. SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR tests confirmed the positive algorithms individuals. (3) Results: Oncology staff members (n = 142) were tested, and 14% (n = 20) were positives for the R-Track algorithm; 75% (n = 15) were qRT-PCR positive. The S-Facts Algorithm identified 7.75% (n = 11) positive oncology staff members, and 81.82% (n = 9) were qRT-PCR positive. Oncology patients (n = 369) were evaluated, and 1.36% (n = 5) were positive for the Algorithm used. The five patients (100%) were confirmed by qRT-PCR. (4) Conclusions: The proposed early detection tools have proved to be a low-cost and efficient tool in a country where qRT-PCR tests and vaccines are insufficient for the population.

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