Evidence on COVID-19 diagnostic testing in recovered dialysis patients

This report summarises the evidence on COVID-19 and dialysis services. It aims to identify how many diagnostic tests for COVID-19 need to be conducted in dialysis patients who seem to have recovered.

Overview of findings

There is still very little evidence on this topic. Evidence suggest that patients may carry the virus five to 13 days after the symptoms disappear. Three studies conducted with dialysis patient in Italy, the US and China recommend different types of recovery confirmation (negative test) for patients to return to regular dialysis.

The most exhaustive confirmation process was proposed by the study conducted in China (Wuhan), which included two negative SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid, negative SARS-CoV-2 antibody, and improvements in chest CT. Guidelines and research papers are being regularly updated and may report new useful information about COVID-19 and dialysis services in the coming weeks.

Citing this report

This report should be cited as:

NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North Thames and UCLPartners. Evidence on COVID-19 and dialysis: How many diagnostic tests for COVID-19 need to be carried out in dialysis patients who seem to have recovered? 7 April 2020. Available from https://arc-w.nihr.ac.uk/research-and-implementation/covid-19-response/reports/evidence-on-covid-19-and-dialysis-how-many-diagnostic-tests-for-covid-19-need-to-be-carried-out-in-dialysis-patients-who-seem-to-have-recovered/