COVID-19 Infection and Its Influence in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

Introduction  The novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has rapidly spread worldwide, challenging healthcare resources and communities to an unprecedent degree. Simultaneously, the amount of clinical and scientific information released has overwhelmed journal platforms.

Objectives  This review aims to summarize the available diagnostic tools and current guidelines to safely assist patients while limiting the exposure of otolaryngologists during this pandemic.

Data Synthesis  Key articles were retrieved from the following databases: PubMed, Lancet, Springer Nature, BioMed Central, JAMA network and MEDLINE, as well as updated documents from the Spanish Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Spanish Association of Surgeons, ENT-UK, American College of Surgeons, and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The terms used for the search were: COVID-19 , Test COVID , Surgery in COVID , 2019-nCoV , ‘ coronavirus’ , and SARS-CoV-2 . A total of 10,245 papers were retrieved. The inclusion criteria for the review included: COVID-19 testing ( n  = 531), society guidelines for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery patient care in the outpatient clinic ( n  = 10) and surgical ( n  = 18) settings. Studies not related to COVID-19 diagnosis were excluded.

Conclusion  Healthcare institutions around the world are outlining their own protocols regarding laboratory testing and personnel protective equipment usage based upon medical societies recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have summarized the available laboratory tests and their respective sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, clinical guidelines from different societies were reviewed and summarized to facilitate guidance for otolaryngologists in the operating room and in the clinical settings.

Introduction

Since the 16th century, at least 3 pandemics have been documented. Pandemics are characterized primarily for their abrupt onset and rapid spread, leading to great morbidity and mortality in a short period of time, overwhelming the capacity of the existing healthcare system. ¹

The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has challenged available healthcare resources and has imposed a high risk of exposure to healthcare workers. Otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons are amongst the highest risk specialties since they routinely work in the upper airway, where the virus is known to replicate. Therefore, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced the specialty to address the challenge of maintaining high-quality patient care, while protecting its healthcare workers. ²

During the first days of COVID-19 lockdown, most clinics, inpatient consults, and surgical procedures were halted, and only strict emergencies were seen and treated. In the meantime, medical societies around the world were discussing evidence-based information coming from the recently affected countries, to create management guidelines focused on personnel and patient safety to be implemented in their home countries. ³ This led to the public release of an immense number of guidelines and recommendations; however, the information available is difficult to read or summarize, and some may be challenging to apply in certain countries. Therefore, the present manuscript will summarize the current recommendations regarding COVID-19 diagnosis and how physicians may return to the clinic and the operating room safely. We hope this information can be used as a quick reference tool for otolaryngologists and providers of high-risk specialties.

Review

This is a literature review of the available diagnostic tools and current guidelines to safely assist patients while limiting the exposure of otolaryngologists during the COVID-19 era. Key articles were retrieved from different databases: PubMed, Lancet, Springer Nature, BioMed Central, JAMA network, MEDLINE, combined with updated documents from the Spanish Ministry of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as the recommendations of Spanish Association of Surgeons, ENT-UK, American College of Surgeons, and American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery.

The terms used for the literature search were: COVID-19 , Test COVID , Surgery in COVID , 2019-nCoV , coronavirus , and SARS-CoV-2 . A total of 10,245 papers were found. The inclusion criteria for review included: COVID-19 testing ( n  = 531), society guidelines for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery patient care in the outpatient clinic ( n  = 10) and surgical ( n  = 18) settings. Studies not related to COVID-19 diagnosis were excluded.

Discussion

Pathophysiology

The COVID-19 is an ongoing viral pandemic that emerged from East Asia and has quickly spread worldwide. ⁴ Human-to-human aerosol transmission is undoubtedly the main source of infection. In detail, an infected individual releases contaminated respiratory droplets when coughing, sneezing, or breathing. These droplets can directly infect the mucous membranes of healthy individuals that are in close contact to the infective source or contaminated surfaces where the virus has been shown to remain alive for a variable period of time, depending on the surface (e.g., metal, plastic, or glass). ⁵ Also, when a healthy individual touches recently contaminated surfaces, the virus will then contaminate his/her hands, followed by contamination of the mucous membranes when subsequently touching his/her eyes or mouth. Virus transmission from asymptomatic patients or those in the incubation period, plays a significant role in the transmissibility of the disease. ⁶ Therefore, the WHO has continuously promoted correct hand hygiene and social distancing as the steppingstones to control the pandemic. ⁷

Once the virus reaches the respiratory system, binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors present in pulmonary epithelial cells. Here, the virus replicates and promotes the release of IL-6 and IL-8, which leads to a sequence of cellular and chemical events causing a severe acute respiratory syndrome, hence its name SARS-CoV-2. These molecular events may correlate with the occurrence of silent hypoxemia in association with bilateral pulmonary ground-glass opacities in computed tomography (CT) scan images. ⁸ The reported incubation period of the virus is between 2 and 12 days (median 5.1 days). ⁹

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors are also found in other cells, including olfactory epithelium, causing anosmia and possible virus direct transmission to the nervous system. ¹⁰ Furthermore, it has been reported that the virus binds to other receptors present in antigen-presenting cells and might be responsible for the leukopenia seen in certain patients. ⁸ More recently, there are reports on patients presenting with strokes, massive pulmonary embolisms, and peripheral thrombosis, suggesting a hematologic component. However, the exact pathophysiologic mechanism remains unknown. ¹¹ At the time of submission, the WHO has reported over 315,100 deaths worldwide. ¹²

Clinical Presentation

Symptomatology is non-specific, and disease presentation can range from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe pneumonia and death. The WHO has confirmed 55,924 cases as of February 20, 2020. Typical symptoms included: fever (87.9%), dry cough (67.7%), fatigue (38.1%), sputum production (33.4%), shortness of breath (18.6%), sore throat (13.9%), headache (13.6%), myalgia or arthralgia (14.8%), chills(11.4%), nausea or vomiting (5.0%), nasal congestion (4.8%), diarrhea (3.7%), hemoptysis (0.9%), and conjunctival congestion (0.8%). Mild respiratory symptoms and fever, usually present on average 5 to 6 days after the initial infection (range 1–14 days). ¹³ Involvement of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system has been seen with a severe tendency in some patients to have coagulation disorders with generalized thrombosis. ¹⁴

A high number of complications were seen in patients with underlying diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, who had clinical symptoms such as fever (98%), cough (76%) fatigue (44%), sputum production (28%), headache (8%), hemoptysis (5%), and diarrhea (3%). ¹⁵

Diagnostic Tests

The SARS-CoV-2 can be detected by taking samples from the upper respiratory tract. The virus can be detected 1 to 2 days before the onset of symptoms and can remain in the mucosa for 7 to 12 days in mild to moderate cases, and up to 2 weeks in severe cases. ¹²

Three primary test types for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 exist: 1) Nucleic acid detection test; 2) Antigen detection tests; and, 3) Antibody detection tests.

Nucleic Acid Detection Test

The main nucleic acid detection test is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of which there are multiple variations; however, the real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and its quantified version (qRT-PCR) are the most sensitive of the available tests. The qRT-PCR has become the ‘gold standard’ for diagnosis, as positive results are correlated with infectious capacity (active contagious), even in asymptomatic patients.

The RT-PCR is a diagnostic test utilizing nasal, oro or nasopharyngeal swab, tracheal aspirate or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens. Samples collected from the upper respiratory tract, via nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs are considered the primary and preferred method for diagnosis. The use of bronchoscopy as a diagnostic method for COVID-19 is not recommended because the aerosol sprays generated pose a substantial risk for patients and healthcare staff. Bronchoscopy samples should only be considered when upper respiratory samples are negative in a patient with high pretest probability for the disease, to whom appropriate diagnosis is critical and will change clinical management. ¹⁶

Molecular tests that detect viral RNA are not as specific. Although analytical sensitivity is known to be very high, detection depends on several crucial factors, including: time of sampling related to the day of illness, sample types, correct sampling technique, sample quality, transport and storage conditions, detection kits, and gene target sequence mutations. A study in China with PCR detection concluded that BAL samples had the highest positive rates (93%), followed by sputum (72%), nasal swabs (63%), and pharyngeal swabs (32%). ¹⁷

This method may not detect the virus in the very early stages of infection (days 0–1) or at the later stages, when viral load is very low. Additionally, false-negative results can be linked to: inadequate sample collection (low quantity), deficient or delayed transportation (the cold chain is not maintained), preanalytical errors (poor labeling of the sample), and low amount of virus related to the stage (presymptomatic, asymptomatic or postsymptomatic) or severity.

False positive results have also been reported, and the primary factors associated to this scenario are: preanalytical errors in the labeling of the sample throughout the process, and cross-contamination between samples. ¹⁸

Antigen Detection Tests

Lateral flow immunochromatography (“quick” tests or “quick tests”) tests have a sensitivity of less than 30% and a specificity of less than 50%. These are not considered suitable for diagnosis at present due to insufficient sensitivity and specificity. With a very low reliability early in the disease, there is insufficient evidence to position them as a useful technique despite the speed with which the results are obtained (15–30 minutes). Methodologies based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) are preferred, as they offer greater sensitivity and specificity and can be used in high volume automated systems. ¹⁹

Antibody Detection Tests

Serological tests intend to detect the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), or both, on whole blood, serum, or plasma samples obtained from diseased individuals. A positive interpretation has been defined as an IgM-positive, or convalescent serum with an IgG titer that is more than four times higher than in the acute phase.

Antibodies rise late in the course of the disease. Initial detection of IgM antibodies occurs around days 5 to 7, while initial IgG detection occurs ∼ 14 days after the onset of symptoms. ²⁰

Sensitivity for IgM and IgG tests ranges between 72.7 and 100%, while specificity ranges between 98.7 and 100%. ²¹ There are many antibodies tests in the market. Selection depends on not only specificity and sensitivity rates, but also on the number of tests to run (by the hour, day, week), availability and delivery possibilities by the manufacturer, and the compatibility of the test with the available equipment or technologies. In Table 1 , we provide a summary of the available serologic tests, the manufacturer, date of approval in the US, sensitivities, and specificities.

Table 1. Accuracy for eight selected COVID-19 antibody tests under the United States food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization.

Company	Test name	Sensitivity (%)	Specificity (%)
Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, Illinois, USA) 40	Abbott Sars-CoV-2 IgG test	100.0	99.9
Roche Diagnostics (Rotkreuz, Switzerland) 41	Elecsys anti-Sars-CoV-2 antibody test	100.0	99.8
Bio-Rad Laboratories (Hercules, California, USA) 42	Platelia Sars-CoV-2 total Ab assay	98.0	99.0
Diasorin (Saluggia, Italy) 43	Liaison Sars-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG test	97.4	98.5
Cellex (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA) 44	Cellex qSars-CoV-2 IgG/IgM cassette rapid test	93.8	95.6
Autobio Diagnostics (Zhengzhou, China) 45	Anti-Sars-CoV-2 rapid test (IgM and IgG)	93.0	100.0
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics (Raritan, New Jersey, USA) 46	Vitros anti-Sars-CoV-2 IgG reagent pack	87.5	100.0
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics 47	Vitros anti-Sars-CoV-2 total reagent pack	100.0	100.0

Abbreviations: COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; IgG, immunoglobulin G; IgM, immunoglobulin M; Sars-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

A useful visual guide ( Fig. 1 ) has been added to illustrate the appropriate test timing during COVID-19. It is necessary to remember that for an asymptomatic patient (responsible for the high and quick spread of the virus), the PCR test is indicated, but antigen test in symptomatic cases could be added as support for the diagnosis. ²²

Fig. 1 Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 natural evolution and diagnosis tests.

∞Viral load in stools detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has an uncertain clinical significance since it could remain detectable for long time periods (not related to disease severity or evolution). The bar is not showed below to avoid possible confusion. ⁴⁹ ≠For pedagogic reasons, the sputum & nasopharyngeal viral load curves “stop” at three weeks, following the natural evolution of the disease and its detection by PCR; however, it could be continuing in cases that progress to moderate, severe, or critical coronavirus disease 2019.

In the evaluation of the immune response, and for epidemiological purpose, antibody tests are useful. Currently, there is high demand of PCR testing that keeps continuously increasing as the population reincorporates into the ‘new normal’ life, and limitation in production. Therefore, antibody testing could be of clinical significance in the determination of disease resolution. ²³

Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new diagnostic kit based on gene-editing technology clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). This kit programs a CRISPR molecule to detect the specific signature for SARS-CoV-2 in nasal, nasopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal swabs, or in BAL specimens. Once a signature is found, the CRISPR enzyme activates and releases a detectable signal to the tester. According to the company, Sherlock Biosciences, an instrument-free and handheld platform is currently under development, similar to that of at-home pregnancy test. Advantages of this method include rapid one-hour result availability, and the ability to be run on equipment found in most clinical and commercial laboratories. ²⁴

Based on the available diagnostic and follow-up methods, we present on Table 2 a proposal to interpret results in the clinical environment.

Table 2. Proposal for the interpretation of results from different diagnostic and follow-up tests in COVID-19.

Test results							Clinical significance
PCR Sputum	PCR (NPS)	PCR (Stool) *	CRISPR test **	Antigen Test	IgM	IgG
-	-	-	-	-	-	-	No infection
+	+	+	+	-	-	-	Early infection phase (acute infection)
+	+	+	+	+	-	-	Early infection phase (acute infection, symptom onset)
+	+	+	+	+	+	-	Acute infection phase
+	+	+	+	+	+	+	Acute infection (beginning of transition to late infection or convalescent phase
+	+	+	+ ***	-	-	+	Late infection phase beginning
+	-	+	+ ***	-	-	+	Late infection phase
-	-	-	+ ***	-	+	+	Active disease progression
-	-	-	+ ***	-	-	+	Late infection (past?)
-	-	-	-	-	-	+	Past infection (immunity?)
-	-	-	-	-	+	-	False positive ****

Abbreviations: COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; CRISPR, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats; IgG, immunoglobulin G; IgM, immunoglobulin M; NPS, nasopharyngeal swab; PCR, polymerase chain reaction.

Note: Test for IgM titers, PCR in urine or stool, as well as determination of urinary or fecal antigens, and even virologic culture, are not available in general laboratories (limited only to reference or research).

Table generated based on the Protocolo de Actuación de la Junta de Castilla y León . ⁴⁸

^* PCR positivity in stool was observed (57%) infected patients and remained positive in stool beyond nasopharyngeal swab by a median of 4 to 11 days but was unrelated to clinical severity. It may remain positive for over 6 weeks clinical relevance is uncertain (not related to severity of the disease). ⁴⁹

^** CRISPR test detects 100 copies severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (97% sensitivity/100% specificity). ⁵⁰

^***CRISPR test needs to be evaluated in these situations.

^****Need to retest

The determination of immunity derived from seroconversion of rising IgG levels is still under study. The challenge that we are facing in the next months is to evaluate the real protective activity of the IgG antibodies, as higher titer may not necessarily confer protection. In the worst-case scenario, IgG levels do not provide protection against future infections. ²⁵

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19

According to the CDC, employers should have adequate PPE to provide care for known or suspected COVID-19 patients while protecting healthcare workers. Employers should also train employees on how to don, use, and doff PPE properly to avoid self-contamination. When interacting with known or suspected COVID-19 patients, the CDC recommends at least:

• Respirator or facemask : Use an N95 respirator or higher level [half-facemask with P100 filters, or powered air purifying respirator (PAPR)].

• Eye protection : Face shield or goggles. Avoid the use of personal glasses or eye contacts, which are not considered PPE.

• Gloves : Clean, non-sterile gloves.

• Gown : Clean isolation gown.

For patients that have tested negative or are of low suspicion of COVID-19, a regular surgical facemask and gloves is appropriate. Gown use is optional depending on if a procedure will be done. ²⁶

Mode of Action in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Clinic Staff

In otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS), clinical examination and invasive procedures of the respiratory tract, such as paranasal sinuses and middle ear, have the potential for exposure of healthcare providers to SARS-CoV-2. This can occur directly by inhalation or ocular projection of contaminated droplets, and indirectly by contact with contaminated hands, objects, or surfaces. ²⁷

Coronavirus disease 2019 has made these difficult times to practice medicine, balancing physician safety while maintaining high-quality patient care. What is certain is that a systematic review of recommendations focused on the unique needs of OHNS is urgently needed to establish guidelines that can effectively protect both healthcare workers and patients. We, therefore, are summarizing the most updated information at the time of publication regarding physician safety, for performance of routine procedures.

Numerous sources have provided a multitude of proposed recommendations at times contradictory and impractical for daily use. We have attempted to summarize and make practical a set of recommendations from those published by all societies and healthcare organizations ( Table 3 ).

Table 3. General recommendations in the operating room setting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Point of interest	Recommendation
Aspiration systems	Closed circuit aspiration systems should incorporate antiviral filters
OR air flow	OR should incorporate negative pressure system.
Staff exposure	Procedures should be performed by the most experienced personnel using the minimum time possible, with the minimal OR staff necessary to perform the procedure safely.
Dedicated OR	Institutions are recommended to specify a dedicated OR solely for COVID-19 + patients, and it is required to have specific protection measures (full PPE, proper immediate terminal cleaning).
Emergent procedures	In case of emergency procedures, and timing does not allow proper testing, patient should be assumed COVID-19 positive and maximum PPE available should be used.
Anesthesia	Avoid orotracheal intubation / general anesthesia as much as possible.
Surgical team entry to room	The surgical team (surgeon, assistants, instrumentalist) should not enter the OR until the patient is already intubated.
COVID-19 negative patients	Use of protective glasses and FFP2 mask is recommended even in COVID-19 negative patients. 51

Abbreviations: COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; FFP2, filtering face piece - level 2; OR, operating room; PPE, personal protective equipment.

Mode of Action in the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Operating Room

Aerosolization in the operating room is a matter of concern when performing intubation maneuvers or procedures in the upper airway. ²⁸ In general, procedures are considered aerosol-generating if they create and disperse aerosols when the patient coughs or sneezes. The CDC outlines several aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) relevant to otolaryngologists, such as: airways suctioning with an open circuit, endotracheal intubation and extubation, noninvasive ventilation (e.g., bilevel positive airway pressure [BiPAP], continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]), bronchoscopy, manual ventilation, and nebulizer administration. Furthermore, examination procedures such as nasal endoscopy and flexible nasal laryngoscopy are considered AGPs when associated with suctioning. Even without suctioning, these can also potentially increase the likelihood of cough, gag, and sneeze, with possible subsequent aerosolization; therefore, appropriate precautions should be considered based on individual clinical circumstances. ²⁹

Cases can be labeled as high-risk versus low-risk procedures. High-risk procedures involve the upper airway (oral cavity, oropharynx, middle ear, mastoid), whereas low-risk procedures do not have exposure to the upper airway (thyroid surgery, neck dissection, biopsy excision of lymph nodes). ³⁰

Tables 4 and 5 provide a list of the most common procedures and the suggested management based on the latest recommendations of diverse societies. ^{31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38} There may be exceptions to each case, and each surgeon should act according to knowledge, experience, and common sense. ^{30 33} Certainly, availability of COVID-19 varies per institutions and priority needs to be given to patients that are suspected to have high pretest probability of having the disease; therefore, testing recommendations have varied across institutions. While some institutions might have availability to perform 2 COVID-19 tests for high-risk cases, others might not have the same capacity. ³⁹ Therefore, it is imperative that resources are adequately used to avoid scarcity and be able to provide adequate patient care in all circumstances while protecting healthcare workers.

Table 4. Recommendations for different procedures in the otolaryngology clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Procedure	COVID-19 Testing	Management/PPE recommendations
Regular physical exam	N/A	COVID-19 known, high suspicion, or patient under investigation follow CDC guidelines. COVID-19 negative or low suspicion, regular surgical mask and gloves.
Nasal packing (Epistaxis)	Generally, no time for testing in this situation	Assume COVID-19+ status and follow CDC guidelines Procedure comments: Initially recommend conservative measures (Afrin, Afrin, pinching the nose). If these do not stop the bleeding, packing with absorbable materials (PosiSep vs Gelfoam vs Surgiflo) to avoid a second visit to manipulate the nasal cavity.
Nasal endoscopy	If emergent, no testing. If non-emergent, deferred until COVID-19 results	Assume COVID-19 status and follow CDC guidelines. Procedure comments: Do not use nasal sprays.
Otologic procedures	Generally enough time to order COVID-19 test	If COVID-19 status or testing not available, assume COVID-19 status and use full PPE as per CDC guidelines. Procedure comments: No ear suctioning if suspicion of tympanic membrane perforation in emergency setting, unless wearing full PPE.
Tracheostomy tube change	If emergent, no testing. If non-emergent, deferred until COVID-19 tests is negative	Assume COVID-19 status and use full PPE as per CDC guidelines.

Abbreviations: CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; N/A, not applicable; PPE, personal protective equipment.

Table 5. Recommendations for different procedures in the otolaryngology operation room during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Procedure	COVID-19 Testing	Management/PPE recommendations
Tracheostomy	Order COVID-19 tests before OR	COVID-19 + with ARDS: No trach COVID-19 + without ARDS: Trach COVID-19 negative: Trach Regardless of COVID status, use full PPE as per CDC guidelines. Procedure comments: Use bipolar instead of monopolar cautery. Use suction regularly to evacuate the smoke. Hold ventilation when accessing the airway and placing the tracheostomy.
Nasal endoscopic surgeries, oropharyngeal surgeries and Level 1 Neck Dissections	If emergent , no time for testing. If urgent , order COVID-19 test	If emergent or COVID-19 test not available, assume COVID-19 status and use full PPE as per CDC guidelines
Neck dissections, levels 2–4.	Order COVID-19 test	If COVID-19 status, deferred procedure until COVID-19. If COVID-19 negative use PPE (mask face w/shield and standard OR gown, hair cover, gloves)
Peritonsillar Abscess	COVID-19 rapid test, if available	If emergent drainage required, assume COVID-19 status and use full PPE as per CDC guideline. Option: Treat medically first and observe while awaiting COVID-19 test results. Procedure comments: Infiltrate with lidocaine (avoid sprays).
Neck Abscess	If emergent, no time for testing Urgent If OR anticipated, order COVID-19 test	Assume COVID-19 status and use full PPE as per CDC guidelines if emergent drainage is needed Medical treatment and follow clinically, while awaiting test results

Abbreviations: ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; OR, operating room; PPE, personal protective equipment.

Final Comments

Currently, healthcare institutions around the world are outlining their own protocols regarding laboratory testing and PPE usage based upon what medical societies have recommended. We have summarized the available laboratory tests and their respective sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, clinical guidelines from different societies were reviewed and summarized to facilitate guidance to otolaryngologists during procedures in the operating room and in the clinical settings. The accuracy of test results has been controversial, and discussion has been made regarding the false positive/negative results. Therefore, adequate use of PPE is key to decrease exposure of healthcare workers in any setting. However, certain extra precautions need to be considered when performing AGPs or any procedure involving manipulation of mucosal membranes. If these recommendations are applied, high quality patient care can continue with minimal risk of exposure to healthcare workers.