Table 2 Summary of recommendations based on RT-PCR COVID-19 positivity
Covid-19 RT-PCR | Current Recommendation |
|---|---|
Positive (< 20 DAYS) | Recommend against performing a tracheotomy in this group of patients who are potentially still infectious, unless urgent e.g. due to inadequate airway. |
Positive (> 20 DAYS) | Tracheotomy can be performed if clinically indicated with full aerosol PPE (at least N95 and full face/eye protection for the surgical team). |
Positive (> 90 DAYS) | Patients should be retested for COVID-19 and if positive, the patient should be considered potentially infectious (for 20 days). If the patient is retested for COVID-19 and if negative, should be treated as COVID-19 negative. |
Negative | Tracheotomy can be performed if clinically indicated with full PPE (N95 and full face/eye protection for the surgical team). |
Unknown status emergent | Recommend use of full aerosol PPE including (at least N95 masks with full face/eye protection). Option to use PAPR/N99 equipment or equivalent if available. |