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CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) Facts and Sampling Solutions

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines coronavirus (CoV) as a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The current occurrence of a new strain known as SARS-CoV-2 (not previously identified in humans) causes coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, WHO publicly characterised COVID-19 as a pandemic.

The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and Public Health England (PHE) are leading the UK government response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

How COVID-19 Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread mainly from person-to-person and between people who are in close contact with one another (within approximately 2m). Respiratory droplets are released in an infected person’s coughs/sneezes, similar to influenza. It may be possible for a person to contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, and/or eyes.

For more detailed information from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).

Symptoms

These range from mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people infected with the virus have reported experiencing non-respiratory symptoms. Other people, referred to as asymptomatic cases, have experienced no symptoms at all. Complications, such as pneumonia in both lungs, can arise and lead to death, particularly in the elderly, immunocompromised/immunosuppressed, or in those individuals who have underlying health conditions. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Potential Risk

Risk is dependent on exposure. Some people will have increased risk of infection such as workers caring for COVID-19 patients and others in close contact with such patients.

Evaluating COVID-19 in Air

SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is a new virus with many unanswered questions. However, scientific professionals can look to previous investigations of corona viruses such as SARS-CoV and the general principles of evaluating biological contaminants. SARS-CoV investigations focused on identifying environmental contamination in infected areas and the potential for transmission to adjacent areas.

Sampling approaches included swab sampling of surfaces and air sampling followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)1 analysis.

Listed are some air sampling options for viruses and important details on sampler selection.

Viruses are challenging to culture because they require a host cell to grow. SKC recommends that you seek guidance from a qualified environmental microbiology laboratory with expertise in viruses before performing any air sampling or studies.

Air Sampling Options for Viruses

Sampler Filter Cassettes 2 3 5
225-1723

Filter Cassettes SKC Part Number 225-1723

Button Sampler 6
225-360

Button Sampler SKC Part Number 225-360

BioSampler 4 5
225-9595

BioSampler SKC Part Number 225-9595

Key Features Easy, economical, and widely used

Small, easy, lightweight sampling train

Ideal for personal sampling and placement inside and outside of test areas

Used by agencies to sample for SARS-CoV

Superior collection of inhalable-sized bioaerosols

Unique inlet and proximity to filter minimises transmission losses; promotes equal distribution of particles

Closely follows the ISO 7708/CEN sampling criteria for inhalable particulate mass

Autoclavable

Allows 8-hour sampling if filled with SKC ViaTrap mineral oil (suitable for specific analyses)

Can be filled with sterile distilled water or other suitable liquids for PCR analysis

Ideal for research studies

Mode of Collection Filtration, collection onto filter Filtration, collection onto filter Impingement, collection into liquid
Media 37 mm 0.3 μm PTFE Filter used for SARS 25 mm, sterilised Gelatin Filter (growth culturing, maintains viability)*

*For short-duration sampling only

Sterile distilled water, physiological saline, phosphate buffered salve (PBS), nutrient broth, or peptone water
Recommended Sample Pump

AirChek Touch
220-5000TC

AirChek TOUCH Sample Pump SKC Part Number 220-5000TC

AirChek Touch
220-5000TC

AirChek TOUCH Sample Pump SKC Part Number 220-5000TC

BioLite+
228-9620

BioLite+ Sample Pump SKC Part Number 228 9620

 

Accessories Part Number
Calibration Adaptor for Button Sampler 225-361

References:

1 Booth, T.F. et al., “Detection of Airborne Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus and Environmental Contamination in SARS Outbreak Units,” J. Infectious Disease, 2005, May 1; 191(9), pp 1472-7, https://doi.org/10.1086/429634
2 Verreault, D. et al., “Methods for Sampling of Airborne Viruses,” MMBR, 72 (3), Oct. 2008, pp 413-44, doi: 10.1128/MMBR.00002-08, https://bit.ly/2TFbD15
3 Ong, S. et al., “Air, Surface, Environmental, and Personal Protective Equipment Contamination by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a Symptomatic Patient,” JAMA, March 4, 2020, doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.3227, https://bit.ly/38oW8jn
4 Cao, G. et al., “Development of an Improved Methodology to Detect Infectious Airborne Influenza Virus Using the NIOSH Bioaerosol Sampler,” Jnl. of Env. Mon., 2011, Dec. 13(12), pp 3321-8 Research Gate: 51695684
5 Nguyen, T. T., et al., “Bioaearosol Sampling in Clinical Settings: A Promising, Noninvasive Approach for Detecting Respiratory Viruses,” Open Forum Infectious Disease, 4(1) Winter 2017, https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofw259
6 Burton, N.C., et al., “Physical Collection Efficiency of Filter Materials for Bacteria and Viruses,” Ann. Occup. Hyg., Vol. 51, No. 2, 2007, pp. 143-151, https://doi.org/10.1093/annhyg/mel073

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