Pre-Procedure COVID-19 Testing No Longer Required After April 14

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. – After Friday, April 14, VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System will no longer require pre-procedure COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic Veterans undergoing surgical, dental, or other procedures.

A multidisciplinary team including VASNHS Nursing, Infection Prevention and Control, Infectious Disease, Dental, Laboratory, and others met to examine literature, trends, and national CDC guidance on procedure testing.

“Currently we test approximately 100 Veterans a day,” said Dr. Jason Dazley, Infectious Disease Physician. “Our positivity rate for asymptomatic patients since January 2023 is less than 0.54%. Pre-procedure testing of asymptomatic patients may have very limited benefit. Additionally, requiring pre-procedure testing has a significant impact of time and resources for Veterans and staff.”

Symptomatic Veterans who have a scheduled surgery or procedure should contact their provider for rescheduling or further instructions.  Symptomatic COVID-19 testing is offered at primary care clinics and the Emergency Department.

VASNHS has previously required COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients prior to routine procedures such as dental appointments and surgeries.

John Archiquette, Public Affairs Specialist

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