Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers in a large teaching hospital in the North West of England: a period prevalence survey

Objectives Since its emergence in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic that significantly challenged healthcare systems. Healthcare workers have previously been shown to experienced higher rates of infection than the general population. We aimed assess extent staff working our setting. Design A retrospective analysis antibody results, compared with demographic data, and exposure patients COVID-19 infection. Setting large teaching hospital North West England. Participants 4474 diverse clinical non-patient facing roles who volunteered for testing by Roche Elecsys assay between 29 May 4 July 2020. Results Seroprevalence was 17.4%. Higher were seen Asian/Asian British (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.27 2.04) Black/Black 2.08, 1.25 3.45) staff. Staff any location more likely be seropositive 2.68, 2.27 3.15). at an increased risk seropositivity as ‘per 100 bed-days change’ area which they worked 1.12, 1.10 1.14). critical care no detectable antibodies non-clinical areas. Symptoms compatible reported 41.8% detected 30.7% these individuals. In symptoms, 7.7%. all had antibodies, 25.2% symptoms. Conclusions areas where nursed antibodies. The relationship increase bed-days’ worked, although statistically significant, weak, suggesting other contributing factors profile. Of therefore evidence prior infection, quarter self-reported This implications potential unrecorded transmission both patients.