Survival analysis of time to SARS-CoV-2 PCR negativisation to optimise PCR prescription in health workers: the Henares COVID-19 healthcare workers cohort study

Objectives Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) is considered the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19. Infected healthcare workers do not go back to work until RT-PCR has demonstrated that virus no longer present upper respiratory tract. The aim of this study determine most efficient time perform prior workers’ reincorporation. Materials and methods This a cohort with RT-PCR-confirmed Data were collected using medical charts completed telephone interview. Kaplan-Meier curves used influence several variables on negativisation. impact survival was assessed Breslow test. A Cox regression model developed including associated variables. Results 159 subjects positive out 374 suspected COVID-19 included. median negativisation 25 days from symptom onset (IQR 20–35 days). Presence IgG, dyspnoea, cough throat pain significant logistic adjust for confounding Only dyspnoea remained as determinants prolonged time. Adjusted HRs 0.68 (0.48–096) 0.61 (0.42–0.88) dry cough. Conclusions during first 3 weeks leads high percentage results. In presence symptoms, took nearly 1 week more. Those who antibodies needed negativisate.