Effect of air flow rate over time on SARS-CoV-2 viability during representative sampling using MD8 airport air sampler

Abstract

Background: Studies involving air sampling for SARS-CoV-2 commonly return either negative data or non-viable virus. Aim: This study assessed the desiccative impact of time parameters during air sampling. Methods: The study aerosolised SARS-CoV-2 on to gelatine Sartorius MD8 AirPort gelatin filters which were then attached to a Sartorius MD8 AirPort and run at 50 L/min up to 40 min. These filters were then analysed by viral plaque assay and quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Findings: There was no significant difference in recovery of infectious virus or genomic copy numbers with increasing air sampled. Conclusion: Sampling for ≤40 min with a Sartorius MD8 AirPort does not reduce the viability of SARS-CoV-2.