Tests to detect COVID-19 at URE Centro Gutenberg
Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, we’ve launched an emergency plan at URE Centro Gutenberg. Its purpose is to reduce, to the extent possible, the impact of the pandemic on our patients. With this plan we are also hoping to minimise possible adverse effects on assisted reproduction treatments.
As part of our strategy, all patients who come to our fertility clinic in Spain will need to complete a questionnaire giving true and legitimate answers. This is a screening or triage procedure we will carry out on three different occasions: before treatment begins, at the start of the ovarian stimulation and then during treatment. Additionally, this questionnaire will also be given to the patient’s partner if applicable.
What is the COVID-19 patient questionnaire like?
As you will see below, the questionnaire is a list of brief, straightforward questions. Its purpose is to ensure the health of all. That’s why we ask that you answer each and every one of these questions as truthfully and as completely as possible.
The questionnaire was created using the adaptation guidelines from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology dated 24th April. It includes the following twelve questions:
- Have you been ill over the last two weeks?
- Have you had a fever over 37.5 degrees?
- Do you currently have a cough?
- Have you lost your sense of smell or taste?
- Have you been in contact with anyone who may have these symptoms?
- Have you travelled to areas where there’s a risk of COVID-19 infection?
- Do you work in a hospital, a nursing home for elderly patients or a health centre?
- Have you been in contact with COVID-19 patients?
- Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19?
- Do you live with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who has any of the symptoms?
- If you’ve recovered from a COVID-19 infection, do you have a discharge report from your doctor?
- Do you suffer from a chronic illness such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or are you immunocompromised, etc.?
What other tests are carried out to detect COVID-19?
The questionnaire we’ve just shown you is not our only weapon against Coronavirus. In addition to answering the questions above, we will perform a PCR test and/or serology testing for acute COVID-19 infection.
The testing will be done between one and five days prior to any surgical procedure (egg retrieval, uterine curettage, cervical conization -cone biopsy-, testicular biopsy, etc.), and for treatments such as artificial insemination and gamete donation. Choosing which test to perform will depend on several factors such as stock availability in the laboratory.
In order to perform a PCR test we will take a nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal sample using a small swab that is introduced into the throat and/or nose. This test looks for the RNA of the virus, meaning that if the result comes back positive it will confirm, almost with total certainty, that the patient had the COVID-19 infection at the time of testing.
For the serology testing we will draw a blood sample. With this test we will be able to detect the presence of IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies which are the body’s defence against COVID-19 infection. This test will specifically allow us to evaluate whether a person has built up defences against an active infection (IgA/IgM), or if they have the defences after recovering from the infection (IgG).
How to make an appointment for a fertility consultation in times of COVID-19
As you can see, at URE Centro Gutenberg we are taking this situation very seriously and don’t want to leave anything to chance. All of the strategies we are applying are to protect your health, the health of the medical team and the health of all our families.
Ever since we resumed in-person activity at our assisted reproduction clinic we have been keeping a very close eye on the evolution of this pandemic. We are paying close attention to each and every recommendation from the health authorities, and that’s why we also have specific recommendations for coronavirus COVID-19.
If you were thinking about starting fertility treatment, you can make an appointment with us for an initial free consultation to evaluate your case. If you prefer, the appointment can also be carried out by phone or online!