Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cytology practice: An international survey in the Asia-Pacific region.

摘要: Background The purpose of the current study was to examine impact coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on various aspects cytology practice in Asia-Pacific region. Methods An online questionnaire distributed cytopathology laboratories 24 countries explore restrictive measures access health care, use general and personal protective equipment (PPE), changes workflow workload from February April 2020. Results A total 167 responded survey; majority reported that limited accessibility care services had been implemented their cities and/or (80.8%) hospitals (83.8%). respondents noted COVID-19 an cytologic as well workload. Approximately one-half participants implementation new biosafety protocols (54.5%) improvements laboratory facilities (47.3%). Rearrangement or redeployment workforce 53.3% 34.1% laboratories, respectively. a significant reduction (>10%) caseload associated with both gynecological (82.0%) nongynecological specimens (78.4%). Most no change malignancy rates (67.7%) (58.7%) compared same period 2019. Conclusions results survey demonstrated pandemic resulted number examined along need implement protocols. These findings underscore for worldwide standardization practice.