Contamination inside CT gantry in the SARS-CoV-2 era

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Infectious Disease Control
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated stringent infection control measures in healthcare settings.
• Computed tomography (CT) scanners are crucial for diagnosing respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
• Understanding potential fomite transmission routes within CT scanner components is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and microbial agents within the internal components of a CT scanner.
• To identify specific CT gantry parts that may harbor SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
• To assess the risk of cross-contamination from CT scanner components during patient examinations.

Main Methods:

• Samples were collected from eight internal CT gantry components (gantry case, airflow filter, motor, x-ray tube, outflow fan, fan grid, detectors, x-ray tube filter).
• Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
• Bacterial and fungal agents were identified using culture methods with tryptic soy agar contact plates.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 RNA was exclusively detected in the inward airflow filter of the CT gantry.
• No SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in any other sampled CT gantry components.
• No bacterial or fungal growth was observed in any of the tested samples, indicating no microbial contamination.

Conclusions:

• The inward airflow filter of a CT scanner can harbor SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
• Internal CT gantry components, apart from the inward airflow filter, appear to be free of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and microbial contamination.
• This finding highlights the importance of targeted cleaning and maintenance of CT scanner airflow filters to mitigate potential transmission risks.