SARS-CoV-2 air sampling: A systematic review on the methodologies for detection and infectivity

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through aerosols is a significant concern, particularly in indoor and healthcare settings.
• Understanding the effectiveness of various air sampling methods is crucial for controlling airborne viral spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review current aerosol sampling methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of different sampling techniques.
• To identify future research directions for studying airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus.
• Assessment of air and environmental sampling methodologies used for SARS-CoV-2.
• Analysis of collection mechanisms including impinger, cyclone, impactor, filters, water-based condensation, and passive sampling.
• Review of detection methods, primarily RT-PCR, and infectivity assessments.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected using all evaluated collection mechanisms.
• Five studies successfully detected viable SARS-CoV-2 using impactor, water-based condensation, and cyclone methods.
• Most studies focused on indoor and healthcare environments.

Conclusions:

• Current aerosol sampling methods can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA, with some capable of detecting viable virus.
• A standardized protocol for SARS-CoV-2 air sampling is necessary.
• Future protocols should consider environmental parameters like air exchange, humidity, temperature, and lighting.