Effect of air flow rate over time on SARS-CoV-2 viability during representative sampling using MD8 airport air sampler
Authors:
HPRU-EZI Author: Barry Atkinson
Abstract:
Background: Studies involving air sampling for SARS-CoV-2 commonly return either negative data or non-viable virus.
Aim: This study assessed the desiccative impact of time parameters during air sampling.
Methods: The study aerosolised SARS-CoV-2 on to gelatine Sartorius MD8 AirPort gelatin filters which were then attached to a Sartorius MD8 AirPort and run at 50 L/min up to 40 min. These filters were then analysed by viral plaque assay and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Findings: There was no significant difference in recovery of infectious virus or genomic copy numbers with increasing air sampled.
Conclusion: Sampling for ≤40 min with a Sartorius MD8 AirPort does not reduce the viability of SARS-CoV-2.
Journal:
Journal of Hospital Infection