SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination in an acute healthcare setting during the first and second pandemic waves.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Surfaces and air in healthcare facilities can be contaminated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Previously, the authors identified SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces and air in their hospital during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (April 2020).

Aim

To explore whether the profile of SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination had changed between April 2020 and January 2021.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study in a multi-site London hospital. In January 2021, surface and air samples were collected from comparable areas to those sampled in April 2020, comprising six clinical areas and a public area. SARS-CoV-2 was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and vi

SUBMITTER: Otter JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9683853 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature