The aim of this study is to apply serology testing methods for SARS-CoV2 antibodies in samples collected from HCWs in an acute hospital. This will enable the identification of those who are protected and non-infectious for SARS-CoV2 and those who are seronegative and therefore potentially susceptible and infectious on patient contact. Prospective testing will provide data on the acquisition of SARS-CoV2 infections among HCWs and associated risk factors for transmission during a pandemic at an acute care hospital facility in the capital region of Denmark. Hypothesis: Serial seroconversion measurements in hospital employees improve the organization of the clinical treatment and care during the COVID-19 pandemic at Nordsjællands Hospital and Nykøbing Falster County Hospital.
The study is a prospective cohort study. Weekly (in the first phase) and bi-weekly (in the
second phase) serum samples will be drawn and shipped bi-weekly to laboratory collaborators
in United Kingdom for antibody analyses during the course of the local epidemic, expected to
last 10-12 weeks or more. After the cease of the epidemic serum will be drawn in 3-monthly
intervals in a smaller group of seroconverted volunteers to follow the long-lasting immunity
of SARS-CoV-2 infection up to 5 years post-pandemic.
Nurses, medical doctors, biomedical laboratory scientists, social health care assistants, and
few healthcare administrators (as controls) will be invited for enrolment. In hospitals, all
departments with staff that are in physical contact with patients during the pandemic will be
invited to participate in the study.
Other: Serial seroconversion measurements in hospital employees during the COVID-19 pandemic
The aim of this study is to apply serology testing methods for SARS-CoV2 antibodies in samples collected from HCWs in an acute hospital.
Inclusion Criteria: hospital employee
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Exclusion Criteria: none
Nordsjællands Hospital
Hillerød, Capital Region, Denmark
Nykøbing Falster County Hospital
Nykøbing Falster, Southern Region, Denmark
Fischer
+45 2440 1718
thea.koelsen.fischer@regionh.dk
Thea K Fischer, professor, Principal Investigator
Nordsjællands Hospital