Abstract CN30
Background
During the complete Corona lockdown of Denmark from March 11 2020 we established a test facility outside – but in a close distance of – the oncological ward making use of the HemoCue devices. The purpose of this was to provide a quick test of the Neutrophil blood counts of the patients, give the possibility of avoiding hospitalization within the oncological ward, and thereby reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, both among the hospitalized patients and staff.
Methods
Feverish patients received in an area outside of the ward. Vital parameters e.g. blood pressure, pulse, saturation, respiration frequency and temperature measured by the nurse who subsequently extracts blood to the HemoCue apparatus. HemoCue measures the differentiation of white blood cells using a few drops of capillary blood. The doctor analyses the results, evaluates the general condition and decides the need of hospitalization. If admission to the ward is indicated, full blood test is required as well as assessment of COVID19 and isolation. Patients with neutrophils at a minimum of 1.0 and proper general condition are discharged, treated with empiric antibiotics and are monitored by daily phone calls by the caregiver.
Results
Patients with neutrophils at a minimum of 1.0 and proper general condition were discharged, treated with empiric antibiotics and are monitored by daily phone calls by the caregiver – instead of being hospitalized until the results of a traditional blood test was known. This new setup has provided the possibility of avoiding hospitalization within the oncological ward of feverish patients with no need for hospital treatment.
Conclusions
This new setup has provided the possibility of avoiding hospitalization within the oncological ward of feverish patients with no need for hospital treatment. This is thanks to the rapid blood test results by using PoC technology. This setup has contributed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in the oncological ward, and thereby it has provided better safety again COVID-19 infection during the both pandemic for hospitalized cancer patients and the medical staff.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Changing Cancer Care is funded through Interreg Deutschland-Danmark by The European Regional Development Fund.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.