Journal article
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol and surface samples in high acuity hospital settings during community epidemic waves – implications for risk-based infection control
Respiratory medicine, Vol.253, pp.1-9
03/2026
PMID: 41692075
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Rationale: Nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is multifactorial and may vary between clinical sites.
Objectives: To measure SARS-CoV-2 in the air and on surfaces within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Department (ED).
Methods: We conducted an air and surface-sampling study of SARS-CoV-2 in the ED and ICU of a hospital in Sydney.
Measurements: We sampled air, patient equipment, and personal protective equipment during two community COVID-19 epidemics. SARS-CoV-2 was detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub> was measured simultaneously, with <800 ppm indicating good air quality.
Main results: SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was detected in 39% of 51 aerosol samples, with mean CO
levels consistently <800 ppm for positive samples. The ED had more detections than the ICU (80% vs. 20%; p < 0.0027) and a higher mean CO
level than the ICU (669 ppm vs. 522 ppm; p < 0.05). The ED waiting room, acute ward, and ICU staff tearoom showed higher detection rates than the ICU ward area. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in air samples in the ED a week before an outbreak was declared, and both inside and outside a COVID-19 patient's negative-pressure ICU room, where high-flow nasal prongs and a glove tested positive.
Conclusion: During community epidemics, SARS-CoV-2 genetic material is detected in hospital air despite good ventilation. Enhanced protection with masks, vaccines, and portable air purifiers, especially in high-risk areas, may mitigate nosocomial transmission, including among staff. Air sampling can provide an early warning of an outbreak and help identify areas that need enhanced infection control.
Details
- Title
- Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol and surface samples in high acuity hospital settings during community epidemic waves – implications for risk-based infection control
- Creators
- C. Raina MacIntyre - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Adriana Notaras - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Noor Bari - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Con Doolan - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelkareem Mahmoud - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Damian Honeyman - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Andre Fellipe Vilanova de Araujo Aquino - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Ian Seppelt - The University of SydneyMark Nicholls - Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care SocietyStuart Turville - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Anupriya Aggarwal - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Mohana Kunasekaran - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Rebecca Gresham - Nepean HospitalGregory Walker - New South Wales Department of HealthAndrea Sevendal - Prince of Wales HospitalWilliam Rawlinson - Prince of Wales HospitalIsla E. Emmen - University of Wisconsin–MadisonShelby L. O'Connor - University of Wisconsin–MadisonDavid H. O'Connor - University of Wisconsin–MadisonCharitha de Silva - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)
- Publication Details
- Respiratory medicine, Vol.253, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Grant note
- This research was funded by National Health and Medical Research Council through the Medical Research Futures Fund COVID-19 Treatment Access and Public Health Activities Grant (MRFF) Grant ID 2017048.
- Identifiers
- 991013376550102368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Authors.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article