The Policy & Position Review Subcommittee (PPRS) of the EBAA Medical Advisory Board continues to review its guidance and screening recommendations regarding COVID-19. Given that COVID-19 is now endemic in the United States (with more than 98 percent of the U.S. population having some form of immunity to COVID-19 from prior infection and/or vaccination), and due to the lack of reported adverse outcomes related to ocular tissues from donors with COVID-19, the PPRS recommends the following:
- Specific screening questions for COVID-19 are not needed at the present time.
- Donors should continue to be screened for active infection and signs of sepsis, and as such COVID-19 should be treated similar to other respiratory infections, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Ocular tissues from donors with pending COVID-19 PCR test results (i.e. that may be indicative of active infection) may be released for surgical use at the medical director’s discretion, considering clinical assessment and case circumstances.
Please note that the PPRS will continue to assess the safety of ocular tissue transplantation in relation to COVID-19 and will provide updated guidance as indicated.
Reference:
1. Respiratory Virus Guidance Update Frequently Asked Questions
