SARS-CoV-2 Detected in 39% of Hospital Air Samples

COVID-19 genetic material was often found in hospital air during outbreaks. This happened in a large hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Researchers from Kirby Institute tested the air and surfaces in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU) during two COVID-19 waves from November 2023 to July 2024. They found 39% of air samples had SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which is a sign of the virus.

Most of the positive samples came from the ED. Eighty percent were from the ED, while the ICU had only 20%. The highest risk areas in the ED included the acute-care area and the public waiting room.

The researchers found that four positive samples were taken before the hospital reported a larger outbreak. This shows that air testing may help spot outbreaks early.

The researchers also noted that good air changes in the hospital were not enough to protect staff and patients. They recommended using better air filters and providing staff with masks to help reduce the spread of the virus.

How much do you know?

What percentage of air samples contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA?

29%

39%

49%

59%

In which department were most positive samples found?

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Emergency Department (ED)

Surgical Department

Pediatric Department

During which months did the research take place?

January to March 2023

April to June 2023

November 2023 to July 2024

August to October 2024

What area in the ED had the highest risk of positive samples?

Operating room

Public waiting room

Patient recovery area

Nurse station

What did the researchers recommend for better air quality?

Using regular fans

Using better air filters

Conducting more tests

Reducing patient intake

What was found in four samples before the larger outbreak?

Bacterial contamination

SARS-CoV-2 RNA

Flu virus

Fungal spores

The research involved testing only the surfaces in the hospital.

True False

The ICU had a higher percentage of positive air samples than the ED.

True False

Good air changes in the hospital were deemed sufficient to protect staff and patients.

True False

Air testing may help identify outbreaks early.

True False

The researchers conducted their study during one wave of COVID-19.

True False

The study took place in a hospital located in Sydney, Australia.

True False

Researchers tested the air and surfaces in the department and intensive care unit (ICU).

Eighty percent of the positive samples were collected from the .

The researchers observed a total of waves of COVID-19 during the study.

The highest risk areas identified in the ED included the acute-care area and the waiting room.

The researchers found that positive samples were taken before the hospital reported a larger outbreak.

The researchers recommended providing staff with to help reduce the spread of the virus.

This question is required