Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Sampling as Support Tools to Detect SARS-CoV-2 in the Healthcare Setting.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread inside the healthcare setting using environmental sampling and indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters.

Methods

Ward/ICU rooms had IAQ parameters monitored in real-time, including volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. Surface and three air samples with different exposure times were collected in each room and tested for SARS-CoV-2 using quantitative Rt-PCR. Environmental sampling and IAQ data were compared to provide information about viral spread.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 6/10 rooms and 9/30 air samples, which is proportionally higher than previous studies. Sampling time confirmed to be crucial to viral detection. No correlations between IAQ parameters cou

SUBMITTER: Gregorio PHP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8562924 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature