HospitalInspections.org

Based on document review and interview, it was determined that for 5 of 5 patients' (Pt. #1, Pt. #2, Pt. #3, Pt. #4, and Pt. #5) clinical records reviewed regarding pre-procedural testing for COVID-19, the Hospital failed to follow the testing methods for preventing and controlling the transmission of infection within the Hospital.

Findings include:

1. On 12/21/2021, the Hospital policies and procedure titled, "COVID-19 Universal Testing" (revised on 12/17/2021) was reviewed and included, "All patients being admitted to (Name of the Hospital) will be tested for the presence of SARS-Cov-2 virus (COVID-19)... 3... Pre-procedural (non-emergent) testing must be completed within 72 hours of scheduled procedure..."

2. On 12/21/2021 at approximately 10:10 AM, the clinical record of Pt. #1 was reviewed. Pt. #1 was brought to the Hospital on 12/20/2021 for colonoscopy procedure (examination of large intestine and rectum) for colon cancer screening. The clinical record indicated that Pt. #1 had colonoscopy done on 12/20/21. The COVID-19 pre-procedural testing was done on 12/16/2021 (96 hours of scheduled procedure).

3. On 12/21/2021 at approximately 10:15 AM, the clinical record of Pt. #2 was reviewed. Pt. #2 was brought to the Hospital on 12/20/2021 for colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. The clinical record indicated that Pt. #2 had colonoscopsy on 12/20/2021. The COVID-19 pre-procedural testing was done on 12/16/2021 (96 hours of scheduled procedure).

4. On 12/21/2021 at approximately 10:20 AM, the clinical record of Pt. #3 was reviewed. Pt. #3 was brought to the Hospital on 12/20/2021 for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (examination of esophagus, stomach, and small intestines) due to abdominal pain. The clinical record indicated that Pt. #3 had colonoscopy on 12/20/2021. The COVID-19 pre-procedural testing was done on 12/16/2021 (96 hours of scheduled procedure).

5. On 12/21/2021 at approximately 10:25 AM, the clinical record of Pt. #4 was reviewed. Pt. #4 was brought to the Hospital on 12/21/2021 for colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. The clinical record indicated that Pt. #4 had colonoscopy on 12/21/2021. The COVID-19 pre-procedural testing was done on 12/17/2021 (96 hours of scheduled procedure).

6. On 12/21/2021 at approximately 10:30 AM, the clinical record of Pt. #5 was reviewed. Pt. #5 was brought to the Hospital on 12/21/2021 for colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. The clinical record indicated that Pt. #4 had colonoscopy on 12/21/2021. The COVID-19 pre-procedural testing was done on 12/17/2021 (96 hours of scheduled procedure).

7. On 12/21/2021 at approximately 10:30 AM, findings were discussed with E #1 (Gatrointestinal Laboratory Manager). E #1 stated that the testing should be conducted 72 hours prior to the procedure. On 12/22/2021 at approximately 9:30 AM, E #5 (Infection Practitioner) stated that the Hospital follows the 72 hours pre-procedural testing for COVID-19 to make sure that the virus does not spread between patients and staff. E #5 stated that if the testing was done more than 72 hours of scheduled procedure, a rapid test should have been completed on the day of procedure.