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Coronavirus disinfection in histopathology
1Histopathology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney, Australia.
Journal of Histotechnology
|March 3, 2020
Summary
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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