SARS-CoV-2 Detection in air samples from inside heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems- COVID surveillance in student dorms

[Display omitted] The COVID-19 pandemic affected universities and institutions and caused campus shutdowns with a transition to online teaching models. To detect infections that might spread on campus, we pursued research towards detecting SARS-CoV-2 in air samples inside student dorms. We sampled a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of infection control 2022-03, Vol.50 (3), p.330-335
Main Authors: Sousan, Sinan, Fan, Ming, Outlaw, Kathryn, Williams, Sydney, Roper, Rachel L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
AerosolSense sampler
Air Conditioning
Bioaerosol
Coronavirus
COVID-19 - diagnosis
Heating
Humans
Major
Pandemics
qRT-PCR analysis
SARS-CoV-2
SKC samplers
Students
Virus detection
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Summary:[Display omitted] The COVID-19 pandemic affected universities and institutions and caused campus shutdowns with a transition to online teaching models. To detect infections that might spread on campus, we pursued research towards detecting SARS-CoV-2 in air samples inside student dorms. We sampled air in 2 large dormitories for 3.5 months and a separate isolation suite containing a student who had tested positive for COVID-19. We developed novel techniques employing 4 methods to collect air samples: Filter Cassettes, Button Sampler, BioSampler, and AerosolSense sampler combined with direct qRT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 analysis. For the 2 large dorms with the normal student population, we detected SARS-CoV-2 in 11 samples. When compared with student nasal swab qRT-PCR testing, we detected SARS-CoV-2 in air samples when a PCR positive COVID-19 student was living on the same floor of the sampling location with a detection rate of 75%. For the isolation dorm, we had a 100% SARS-CoV-2 detection rate with AerosolSense sampler. Our data suggest air sampling may be an important SARS-CoV-2 surveillance technique, especially for buildings with congregant living settings (dorms, correctional facilities, barracks). Future building designs and public health policies should consider implementation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning surveillance.
ISSN:0196-6553
1527-3296
DOI:10.1016/j.ajic.2021.10.009