Table 2 Usage of PPE, spatial conditions, transport to and from dialysis facilities, COVID-19 screening, patient triage, dialysis length, and disinfection in dialysis units Tuzla and Niš
From: COVID – 19 in two dialysis centers situated in two neighbouring states of the Western Balkans
Tuzla February – December 2020 | Niš February – December 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
Total number of chronic dialysis patients (ICHD + CAPD) | 180 | 275 |
Regular surveillance testing of staff for COVID-19 (overall total number of testing per center) | 1 X (PCR) | 7 X (PCR; rapid antigen test) |
Face masks for staff in dialysis unit | Surgical | KN95 |
Other protective equipment for staff (face shields, surgical caps, shoe covers, long sleeved gowns) | Only for suspicious and positive patients | Every day for dealing with all patients |
Gloves | Obligatory | Obligatory |
Distance of 2 m between the dialysis beds | No | No |
Separate transportation of COVID-19 dialysis patients | No | No |
Surveillance testing of dialysis patients for COVID-19 (type of test) | 1 x (PCR) | No |
Face masks for dialysis patients | Cloth or Surgical | Surgical |
Patients' education about fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 and self-reporting | Yes | Yes |
Patients' self reporting of symptoms and/or contact with someone who has COVID-19 by telephone before travelling to the dialysis unit | Yes | No |
Patients' triage on entry to dialysis unit | Yes | Yes |
Shortening dialysis time to allow adequate time for disinfection | Yes; 3:45 h | Yes; 3:45 h |
Area disinfection after each dialysis session | Yes | Yes |