Researchers and test developers continue to look for unique solutions to shorten the time for returning SARS-CoV-2 test results as the virus’s aggressive march outpaces testing efforts, particularly in the U.S.

One lab is wondering whether there are formal guidelines yet on pre-surgical procedure COVID testing. Their institution currently requires a negative COVID PCR test within 72 hours of a procedure. Two other institutions do the same for routine appointments, while for emergency surgery, one place runs COVID-19 PCR on admission through a reference lab. Respondents also say that surgical associations are in the process of discussing guidelines, and in the meantime, the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation has compiled on their website how different institutions and states are approaching this.

Researchers show that computer simulations can optimize patient-based real-time quality control, but some parameters are generally superior and can be taken as default.