SARS-CoV-2 air sampling: A systematic review on the methodologies for detection and infectivity

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Silva, PG (Author) Other; Branco, PTBS (Author) FEUP; Soares, RRG (Author) Other; Mesquita, JR (Author) ICBAS; Sousa, SIV (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Indoor Air

Vol. 32

ISSN: 0905-6947

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 17 Citations

Scopus - 20 Citations

Associated Projects

ALiCE - ALiCE - Laboratório Associado em Engenharia Química

LEPABE - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 da Unidade de I&D LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-3PZ

DOI: 10.1111/ina.13083

Abstract (EN): This systematic review aims to present an overview of the current aerosol sampling methods (and equipment) being used to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the air, along with the main parameters reported in the studies that are essential to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method and perspectives for future research regarding this mode of transmission. A systematic literature review was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus to assess the current air sampling methodologies being applied to SARS-CoV-2. Most of the studies took place in indoor environments and healthcare settings and included air and environmental sampling. The collection mechanisms used were impinger, cyclone, impactor, filters, water-based condensation, and passive sampling. Most of the reviewed studies used RT-PCR to test the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the collected samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected with all collection mechanisms. From the studies detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, fourteen assessed infectivity. Five studies detected viable viruses using impactor, water-based condensation, and cyclone collection mechanisms. There is a need for a standardized protocol for sampling SARS-CoV-2 in air, which should also account for other influencing parameters, including air exchange ratio in the room sampled, relative humidity, temperature, and lighting conditions.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 31