Experience of COVID-19 universal screening in obstetrical units in Quebec, Canada

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, some jurisdictions used universal screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection at obstetrical units. This study evaluated the utility of this screening strategy. Methods: We assessed the asymptomatic infection rate and test positivity rate at six obstetrical units in Quebec, Canada. Results: 32,663 parturients were admitted to the six obstetrical units, of which 77.5% were tested for SARS-CoV-2 on admission. Among all six sites, 388 parturients (1.2%; 95% CI 1.07% to 1.31%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Of these, 74.2% were asymptomatic. Rates of positive asymptomatic admissions were similar across sites, ranging from 0.5% to 1.3%. Test positivity rates among parturients varied across the pandemic, ranging from 0.0% to 9.0%. Three nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred, with two occurring at the same site. Conclusions: Non-universal strategies such as symptom-based screening and personal protective equipment may be more practical and cost effective for future respiratory pandemics.