On February 28, 2023, the New York State Department of Health issued updated guidance regarding elective surgery pre-procedure testing for SARS-CoV-2. > Access the advisory: click here.
CDC guidance states that SARS-CoV-2 viral testing of asymptomatic patients before elective surgery or procedures by hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery practices, and diagnostic and treatment centers, is at the discretion of the facility.
Pre-procedure testing to identify asymptomatic infection might continue to be useful in some situations, including when performing higher-risk procedures. Pre-procedure testing can also help inform the type of infection control precautions used (e.g., room assignment, cohorting, or personal protective equipment) to prevent unprotected exposures.
This advisory supersedes all previous guidance pertaining to elective surgery pre-procedure testing for SARS-CoV-2.
NYSDOH recommends that all healthcare settings continue to adhere to the infection prevention and control guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
See: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease2019 (COVID-19)Pandemic).
General questions or comments about this advisory can be sent to:
covidhospitaldtcinfo@health.ny.gov, or icp@health.ny.gov
