SARS-CoV-2 Detection on Artificially Contaminated Surfaces by Rapid Antigen Test

Nattamon  Niyomdecha; Sirinart  Chomean; Chollanot  Kaset

doi:10.33192/smj.v75i1.260524

Authors

Nattamon Niyomdecha Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University
Sirinart Chomean Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University
Chollanot Kaset Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v75i1.260524

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Rapid antigen test, RT-qPCR, screening method, surface contamination

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of an antigen-based rapid test for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on artificially contaminated objects in comparison with a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) standard method.

Materials and Methods: Artificial surface contamination with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 was tested on ten different objects comprising fruits and common materials. Three contamination levels with virus titers of 103, 104, and 105 pfu/100 μl were studied. Each object was spiked with 200 μl of virus suspension, samples were then collected by swabbing and evaluated by rapid antigen test and RT-qPCR. Additionally, 3- and 5-day contamination with SARSCoV‑2 at 105 pfu/100 μl was tested for some materials.

Results: The detection rate obtained by the rapid antigen test with 103, 104, and 105 pfu/100 μl of SARS-CoV-2 was 10%, 90%, and 90%, respectively for the tested objects. RT‑qPCR showed a detection rate of 100% at all virus titers. Furthermore, both rapid antigen test and RT-qPCR were able to detect the 3- and 5-day extended contamination with SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion: The collected data suggests that the evaluated rapid antigen test is suitable for detection of SARS-CoV-2 adhered to non-human samples as a screening method. This simple method can reduce costs and turnaround time when compared to a standard molecular assay. It may be applied to enhance safety policies for COVID-19 prevention in public health and international export-businesses.

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