Routine Perioperative Viral Screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV: A cost Analysis in Tow Hospitals in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Universal or routine preoperative viral screening has been advocated as a strategy to reduce risks related to staff health and infection prevention. Recently, there has been a suggestion that routine preoperative viral screening could also benefit patients by enabling the detection of previously undiagnosed cases. This early detection could potentially lead to better management and intervention before the onset of conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis, or liver carcinoma. Objectives: To conduct a comprehensive cost analysis and determine the prevalence of positive cases identified through routine preoperative viral screening among surgical patients at two major Hafer Albatin Hospitals from 2021 to 2023. In addition to assessing the Prevalence of Positive Cases, conduct a cost analysis of screening procedures and evaluate the local screening criteria against international standards. Materials and Methods: The study involved 2696 patients who underwent surgery over the past three years. It was a retrospective study, based medical records from Central Hospital and King Khalid Hospital of Hafer Albatin, Diagnostic tools like ELISA are pivotal in Hafer Ablation Hospital's preoperative viral screening. Results: Five patients were positive for HCV with ELISA, then confirmed with PCR. Conclusion: In conclusion, the growing interest and concern regarding infection transmission among healthcare workers represent a positive development. However, this concern must extend beyond transmission solely from patients to staff. It should also encompass transmission from staff to patients, from the environment to patients, and among patients themselves. Comprehensive infection control measures should address all potential transmission routes to ensure the safety and well-being of healthcare workers and patients.