Feasibility of using alternative swabs and storage solutions for paired SARS-CoV-2 detection and microbiome analysis in the hospital environment.

Jeremiah J MinichFarhana AliClarisse MarotzPedro Belda-FerreLeslie ChiangJustin P ShafferCarolina S CarpenterDaniel McDonaldJack GilbertSarah M AllardEric E AllenRob KnightDaniel A SweeneyAustin D Swafford

Published in: Microbiome (2021)

Compared to using a clinical-grade synthetic swab, detection of SARS-CoV-2 from environmental samples collected from ICU rooms of patients with COVID was similar using consumer-grade swabs, stored in 95% ethanol. The yield was best from the swab head rather than the eluent and the low level of RNase activity and lack of antibiotics in these samples makes it possible to perform concomitant microbiome analyses. Video abstract.

Keyphrases

sars cov
respiratory syndrome coronavirus
loop mediated isothermal amplification
real time pcr
label free
healthcare
room temperature
health information
mechanical ventilation
coronavirus disease
risk assessment
social media
quantum dots
acute respiratory distress syndrome
sensitive detection