key: cord-316513-dbzj101e
authors: Sen-Crowe, Brendon; McKenney, Mark; Elkbuli, Adel
title: Utilizing technology as a method of contact tracing and surveillance to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 infection
date: 2020-07-04
journal: Am J Emerg Med
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.07.003
sha: 
doc_id: 316513
cord_uid: dbzj101e

nan

J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f Currently, there are two major forms of testing in the U.S.: testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and serologic testing. 1, 2 However, only testing those experiencing symptoms is not a practical way of obtaining a true picture of the infection status of the nation, as the majority of infected individuals do not exhibit symptoms. 3 Healthcare personnel who are in close contact with ill patients may be asymptomatic themselves and unknowingly transmit the infection to others. A call for new methods of testing and surveillance on a large scale will be important if we hope to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Fortunately, advancements in technology allow diagnostics and surveillance to be readily available. One innovative approach that has gained popularity is the use of a smart ring. On example is the Oura ring (Ooura Health Ltd.'s, Oulu, Finland) which can detect physiologic changes and alert the possibility of infection. Understanding changes in vital signs such as body temperature, respiratory and heart rate may enable early detection of signs of infection. For example, one study at West Virginia Univeristy, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute predicted symptoms 24 hours prior to onset based on physiologic changes detected by the Oura ring, and aim to achieve a 3-day forecast in the future. 4 Implementation of preventative measures before symptoms are apparent when there may be a risk of viral shedding may translate into a much larger benefit than we anticipate and has the potential to reduce infection in other healthcare workers and patients.

In addition, early detection and contact tracing has the potential to conserve hospital resources that have become scarce throughout the pandemic. For example, there has been a shortage of ventilators. 5 Areas that have been flagged as high-risk due to surveillance can be supplied with additional hospital resources to match their case load. Hence, targeted distribution of hospital resources to these areas can make the difference for a hospital to adequately treat those in critical condition without the need for triaging treatment between patients. 

Testing for COVID-19

CDC Diagnostic Test for COVID-19

Transcript for the CDC Telebriefing Update on COVID-19

WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and Oura Health unveil study to predict the outbreak of COVID-19 in healthcare professionals

Ventilator Stockpiling and Availability in the US. Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security

Australian Government -Department of Health