Universal SARS-CoV-2 PCR screening and Assisted Reproductive Technology in a COVID-19 pandemic epicenter: Screening and cycle outcomes from a New York City Fertility Center

Shaw, Jacquelyn; Tozour, Jessica; Blakemore, Jennifer K.; Grifo, James

Objective(s) To evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 and efficacy of a universal screening program in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) Design Single center retrospective cohort study Setting Academic fertility center in New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic Patients All patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation from June 17, 2019 to February 28, 2021 Intervention Universal COVID-19 screening starting June 17, 2020 with SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing within five days of oocyte retrieval, patient-reported symptoms screen and temperature monitoring Main Outcomes Measure(s) The primary outcome was the number of positive COVID-19 cases in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation cycles. The secondary outcomes were cycle outcomes compared to pre-COVID-19 COS cycles, adverse outcomes in COVID-canceled cycles, and the center-specific COVID-19 detection rates compared to New York City cases. Results From June 17, 2020 to February 28, 2021, 1,696 controlled ovarian stimulation cycles were initiated with only 7 positive COVID-19 cases for an overall positivity rate of 0.4%. When compared to pre-COVID cycles from June 17, 2019 to February 28, 2020, the volume of COS cycles was higher, while the overall cycle cancellation rate was lower during COVID-19. Cycle outcomes including oocyte yield and blast utilization rates were unchanged from pre-COVID cycles. Cases of COVID-19, while very low, occurred more frequently during surges in New York City rates. Conclusion(s) Assisted Reproductive Technology can be performed during the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing frequent universal screening and safe practices with low SARS-CoV-2 positivity, low cycle cancellation rates, and positive patient outcomes.