Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cytology practice: An international survey in the Asia‐Pacific region

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on various aspects of cytology practice in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed to cytopathology laboratories in 24 Asia-Pacific countries to explore the impact of restrictive measures on access to health care, use of general and personal protective equipment (PPE), and changes in cytology workflow and workload from February to April 2020. RESULTS: A total of 167 cytopathology laboratories from 24 countries responded to the survey; the majority reported that restrictive measures that limited the accessibility of health care services had been implemented in their cities and/or countries (80.8%) and their hospitals (83.8%). The respondents noted that COVID-19 had an impact on the cytologic workflow as well as the workload. Approximately one-half of the participants reported the implementation of new biosafety protocols (54.5%) as well as improvements in laboratory facilities (47.3%). Rearrangement or redeployment of the workforce was reported in 53.3% and 34.1% of laboratories, respectively. The majority of the respondents reported a significant reduction (>10%) in caseload associated with both gynecological (82.0%) and nongynecological specimens (78.4%). Most laboratories reported no significant change in the malignancy rates of both gynecological (67.7%) and nongynecological specimens (58.7%) compared with the same period in 2019. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the survey demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in the number of cytology specimens examined along with the need to implement new biosafety protocols. These findings underscore the need for the worldwide standardization of biosafety protocols and cytology practice.

The state of cytopathology laboratories during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…In addition, the study by Wang et al described modifications to the structures of the laboratory workforce, and changes in cytopathology specimen volumes and laboratory workflows. Similar to the study by Vigliar et al, 3 Wang et al 4 also observed a reduction in cytology specimen volumes, although to a lesser degree than in the study by Vigliar et al It remains to be seen how the COVID‐19 pandemic will affect various aspects of cytopathology laboratories as we move into 2021 among fears of a second surge in infections, but hopes are high for the development and distribution of an effective vaccine to bring some stability to the situation. In the interim, laboratories worldwide are publishing and sharing their experiences and, through a global effort, appear poised to meet the challenges that lie ahead.…”

“…This month's issue of Cancer Cytopathology includes several original articles, commentaries, and correspondence describing a wide range of topics related to the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the field of cytopathology. In particular, the journal features 2 large, multi‐institution studies investigating the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the function of cytopathology laboratories around the world 3,4 . Vigliar et al have presented their study describing an astounding 45.3% decrease in the number of cytology specimens during the peak of the pandemic compared with before the pandemic 3 .…”

“…In their study, Wang et al have reported results from 167 laboratories in 24 Asian countries 4 . Their investigation focused on the implementation of new biosafety protocols in cytology laboratories to address the potential risks to cytology practitioners through exposure to patient specimens during sample preparation and processing 4 . In addition, the study by Wang et al described modifications to the structures of the laboratory workforce, and changes in cytopathology specimen volumes and laboratory workflows.…”

Cytopathology practice during the COVID‐19 postlockdown: An Italian experience

“…Unfortunately, since the beginning of the current health crisis, restrictive measures, imposed to thwart the relentless spread of COVID-19, have dramatically disrupted many health care services, not least cytopathology practices. 1,2 Although the Italian government eased safety measures on May 4, 2020, the impact of the coronavirus emergency persisted beyond the end of the lockdown. Indeed, our clinic experienced an overall workload reduction of 41.6% in the first weeks of the postlockdown.…”

Cytopathology Practice in the COVID-19 Era: Focus on Sample Workload

“…Similarly, the pandemic has also affected cytopathology diagnostic activity [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Indeed, since hospitals have been advised to review all scheduled elective procedures to minimize or postpone non-urgent procedures, cytological screening activities and cytological sampling of patients at low risk of malignancy have all been postponed.…”