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Analysis of Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Specimen Transport Media, Nucleic Acid Extraction Reagents, Detergents, and
Stephen R Welch1, Katherine A Davies1, Hubert Buczkowski1
1High Containment Microbiology, NIS Laboratories, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a multifaceted rapid response by the scientific community, bringing researchers, health officials, and industry together to address the ongoing public health emergency. To meet this challenge, participants need an informed approach for working safely with the etiological agent, the novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Work with infectious SARS-CoV-2 is currently restricted to high-containment laboratories, but material can be handled at a lower containment level after inactivation. Given the wide array of inactivation reagents that are being used in laboratories during this pandemic, it is vital that their effectiveness is thoroughly investigated. Here, we evaluated a total of 23 commercial reagents designed for clinical sample transportation, nucleic acid extraction, and virus inactivation for their ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, as well as seven other common chemicals, including detergents and fixatives. As part of this study, we have also tested five filtration matrices for their effectiveness at removing the cytotoxic elements of each reagent, permitting accurate determination of levels of infectious virus remaining following treatment. In addition to providing critical data informing inactivation methods and risk assessments for diagnostic and research laboratories working with SARS-CoV-2, these data provide a framework for other laboratories to validate their inactivation processes and to guide similar studies for other pathogens.
Insights
This study evaluated 23 commercial reagents and 7 common chemicals for their effectiveness in inactivating SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. The findings help labs safely handle the virus and validate inactivation methods.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Laboratory Safety
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic requires safe handling of SARS-CoV-2.
- Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for research and diagnostics outside high-containment labs.
- Various reagents are used for inactivation, necessitating effectiveness validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of commercial and common chemical reagents in inactivating SARS-CoV-2.
- To assess filtration matrices for removing cytotoxic elements from treated samples.
- To provide data for risk assessment and validation of inactivation methods for SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Tested 23 commercial reagents and 7 common chemicals for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation.
- Assessed 5 filtration matrices for removing cytotoxic components.
- Determined remaining infectious virus levels post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Data on the effectiveness of various reagents against SARS-CoV-2 were generated.
- Filtration matrices were evaluated for their ability to enhance accurate infectivity assessment.
- Specific reagents and methods were identified for effective SARS-CoV-2 inactivation.
Conclusions:
- The study provides critical data for safe laboratory practices when working with SARS-CoV-2.
- Findings support the validation of inactivation processes in diagnostic and research settings.
- The framework can guide inactivation studies for other viral pathogens.
