Fabjola Bilo , Annalisa Zacco , Paola Cirelli , Filippo Marciano , Giuseppe Tomasoni , Sara Comai , Giorgio Vassena , Luca Perfetti , Antonio Gualtiero Mainardi , Silvia Mastrolembo Ventura , Angelo L.C. Ciribini , Michela Savoldi Boles , Sophie Dubacq , Maria Grazia Perrone , Laura Pini , Maria Lorenza Muiesan , Elena Pariani , Sandro Binda , Laura Pellegrinelli , Giorgio Costantino , Laura Borgese
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study demonstrates the applicability of air sampling for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a hospital by means of active bioaerosol samplers following a specifically designed air sampling strategy based on digital mapping of the architectural layout of the ward to minimize disruptions of health care activities and reducing operator risks. Prior to the experimental study, some model tests were conducted using the air sampler with a tunable flow rate to determine the most suitable real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based detection method. Preliminary results showed the need to perform intensive extraction protocols combined with Real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR), rather than conventional, to enhance sensitivity. The experimental study was conducted within the general medicine ward of Spedali Civili Hospital in Brescia during the winter of 2021/2022, a period marked by a high prevalence of COVID-19 cases using three active air sampling devices: Coriolis Compact®, Coriolis Micro®, and BioSpot GEM®. Environmental parameters, such as room size, occupancy, ventilation rates, and activities performed during sampling, and patients’ conditions were documented to contextualize the findings. The virus was detected in a few rooms with concentrations ranging from 1171 to 2225 copies/m3. These findings support the integration of routinary air sampling as tools for control and assessment of transmission risks, not only for SARS-CoV-2 but generalized to all airborne pathogens, supporting patient management and infection control in health care settings.
期刊介绍:
Founded in 1970, the Journal of Aerosol Science considers itself the prime vehicle for the publication of original work as well as reviews related to fundamental and applied aerosol research, as well as aerosol instrumentation. Its content is directed at scientists working in engineering disciplines, as well as physics, chemistry, and environmental sciences.
The editors welcome submissions of papers describing recent experimental, numerical, and theoretical research related to the following topics:
1. Fundamental Aerosol Science.
2. Applied Aerosol Science.
3. Instrumentation & Measurement Methods.