Coronavirus Disease 2019 Exposure in Surgeons and Anesthesiologists at a New York City Specialty Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Status.

Soffin, Ellen M; Reisener, Marie-Jacqueline; Padgett, Douglas E; Kelly, Bryan T; Sama, Andrew A; Zhu, Jiaqi; Salzmann, Stephan N; Chiapparelli, Erika; Okano, Ichiro; Oezel, Lisa; Miller, Andy O; Cammisa, Frank P; Girardi, Federico P; Hughes, Alexander P; Soffin, Ellen M.; Padgett, Douglas E.; Kelly, Bryan T.; Sama, Andrew A.; Salzmann, Stephan N.; Miller, Andy O.; Cammisa, Frank P.; Girardi, Federico P.; Hughes, Alexander P.

OBJECTIVE We measured the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among surgeons and anesthesiologists and associated antibody status with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical illness. METHODS A cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence with a survey assessing demographics, SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk and COVID-19 illness. The primary outcome was the period prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies associated with COVID-19 illness. RESULTS 143 surgeons and anesthesiologists completed both serology and survey testing. We found no significant relationships between antibody status and clinical role (anesthesiologist, surgeon), mode of commuting to work, other practice settings or place of residence. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence was 9.8%. Positive IgG status was highly correlated with the presence of symptoms of COVID-19 illness. These results suggest the relative safety of surgeons and anesthesiologists where PPE is available and infection control protocols are implemented.