Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Boosting in Previously Infected or Vaccinated Individuals.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether boosting previously infected or vaccinated individuals with a vaccine developed for an earlier variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) protects against the Omicron variant.

Methods: Employees of Cleveland Clinic, previously infected with or vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and working the day the Omicron variant was declared a variant of concern, were included. The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was examined over 2 months during an Omicron variant surge.

Necessity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination in Persons Who Have Already Had COVID-19.

Background: The aim was to evaluate the necessity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in persons with prior COVID-19.

Methods: Employees of the Cleveland Clinic working in Ohio on 16 December 2020, the day COVID-19 vaccination was started, were included. Anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 at least once before the study start date was considered previously infected.

A Direct Comparison of Enhanced Saliva to Nasopharyngeal Swab for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Symptomatic Patients.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in shortages of nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) and viral transport media, necessitating the search for alternate diagnostic specimens, such as saliva. We directly compared matched saliva and NPS specimens from symptomatic patients suspected of having COVID-19. An enhanced saliva specimen (i.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers' Risk of Infection and Outcomes in a Large, Integrated Health System.

Background: Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers (HCW) is crucial.

Objective: Utilizing a health system COVID-19 research registry, we assessed HCW risk for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Design: Retrospective cohort study with overlap propensity score weighting.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers risk of infection and outcomes in a large, integrated health system.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers (HCW) is crucial. Utilizing a health system COVID-19 research registry, we assessed HCW risk for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Retrospective cohort study with overlap propensity score weighting.

Distribution of Transmission Potential During Nonsevere COVID-19 Illness.

Background: Patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often continue to test positive for the causative virus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) even after clinical recovery, thereby complicating return-to-work plans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate transmission potential of COVID-19 by examining viral load with respect to time.

Methods: Health care personnel (HCP) at Cleveland Clinic diagnosed with COVID-19, who recovered without needing hospitalization, were identified.

Medical and Pharmacy Costs for New Hire Nurses Following a Physical Strength Evaluation Screening in a Large Health System.

Nurses often encounter situations that require lifting patients, often using awkward body positions. Hiring nurses with strength suitable for these jobs decreases nurses' risk for illness and injury and would be expected to result in more appropriate and lower health care, pharmacy, and disability costs. The physical strength of new hire nurse applicants was assessed using a defensible isokinetic evaluation in the years 2011 and 2012.

A summary of meeting proceedings on addressing variability around the cut point in serial interferon-γ release assay testing.

On June 13, 2012, a group of key stakeholders, leaders, and national experts on tuberculosis (TB), occupational health, and laboratory science met in Atlanta, Georgia, to focus national discussion on the higher than expected positive results occurring among low-risk, unexposed healthcare workers undergoing serial testing with interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs). The objectives of the meeting were to present the latest clinical and operational research findings on the topic, to discuss evaluation and treatment algorithms that are emerging in the absence of national guidance, and to develop a consensus on the action steps needed to assist programs and physicians in the interpretation of serial testing IGRA results. This report summarizes its proceedings.

Delineating a Retesting Zone Using Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis on Serial QuantiFERON Tuberculosis Test Results in US Healthcare Workers.

Objective. To find a statistically significant separation point for the QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube (QFT) interferon gamma release assay that could define an optimal "retesting zone" for use in serially tested low-risk populations who have test "reversions" from initially positive to subsequently negative results. Method.

Reducing the rates of indeterminate results of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test during routine preemployment screening for latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare personnel.

We implemented the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) In-Tube test to identify latent tuberculosis infection among potential employees prior to employment. The rates of indeterminate QFT-G In-Tube test results were higher than expected and prompted an investigation that led to successful interventions (eg, manual vortexing before incubation and the use of a modified in-tube method). The tracking of indeterminate results is suggested as an important quality control measure.

Active tuberculosis in a healthcare worker: are you ready?

We describe a healthcare worker with a previously positive tuberculin skin test result who developed active tuberculosis. An investigation revealed 280 potential contacts, 3 of whom had positive tuberculin skin test results. Our experience demonstrates the potential benefits of therapy for latent tuberculosis infection as a component of a tuberculosis-control program.