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Updated: Oct 4, 2025
Swabbing the Urban Environment - A Pipeline for Sampling and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 From Environmental Reservoirs
Published on: April 9, 2021
Environmental contamination and personal protective equipment contamination with SARS-CoV-2 virus in a real-life
Avneet K Shahi1, Nusreen Ahmed-Saeed2, Isobel Taylor2
1Department of Infection, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
Abstract:
The importance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via contact routes and its stability on surfaces is becoming increasingly recognised. There is ongoing concern that patients can become infected through person-to-person spread and environment-to-person spread. This study assessed whether SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA can be detected in the environment either on staff members' personal protective equipment (PPE), on high-touch surfaces or around the bedspace of COVID-19-positive patients in a range of different ward settings to evaluate if there was any contamination of these. Results showed all PPE and high-touch surface swabs were negative. All swabs taken in the negative-pressure room where aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) were being undertaken detected viral RNA (5/5 positive), whereas there was minimal contamination in the intensive therapy unit (1/5 positive) and none detected in the cohort bay. These findings would be consistent with the understanding that areas where AGPs are regularly performed are at higher risk of environmental contamination.
Insights
SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected on staff PPE or surfaces. However, viral RNA was found in negative-pressure rooms during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs), indicating higher environmental contamination risk in these areas.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Microbiology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Growing recognition of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through contact and surface stability.
- Concerns regarding patient infection via person-to-person and environment-to-person spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA contamination on staff personal protective equipment (PPE), high-touch surfaces, and around COVID-19 patient bedspaces.
- To evaluate environmental contamination levels in various hospital ward settings.
Main Methods:
- Swab samples collected from PPE, high-touch surfaces, and patient bedspaces in different ward settings.
- Samples analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA using molecular detection methods.
Main Results:
- All personal protective equipment (PPE) and high-touch surface swabs tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
- Viral RNA was detected in 100% (5/5) of swabs from negative-pressure rooms during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).
- Minimal contamination (1/5) was found in the intensive therapy unit, with no detection in the cohort bay.
Conclusions:
- Areas where aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) are performed pose a higher risk for environmental SARS-CoV-2 contamination.
- Environmental monitoring is crucial, particularly in high-risk areas like negative-pressure rooms during AGPs.
- Standard PPE and surface cleaning protocols appear effective in preventing widespread environmental contamination in general ward settings.
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