Surface Testing Among Latest Techniques to Detect the Coronavirus

Surface testing—an affordable pathogen tracing method—has been used to detect pathogens in food manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, it is now being used to determine if the SARS-CoV-2 virus has entered a building. Enviral Tech, a biotech company, adapted surface testing at long-term care facilities to provide an additional layer of protection for facility residents and workers, Now This reports.

Using preliminary surface testing data collected 10 years ago during the H1N1 virus, scientists conducted a study at more than 50 care facilities across the United States to test high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, railings, and computers for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The researchers found that they could isolate a potential outbreak by tracing the movement of people who encountered a surface before they tested positive for COVID-19. “By using the surface testing, we were able to give them an early warning and let them take action before people started showing symptoms,” said scientist Shula Jaron.

Enviral Tech researchers believe the technology works best paired with other infection control measures such as frequent cleaning and disinfection as well as mask-wearing and social distancing. “We can’t stop taking the precautions that we’ve been taking. Because these precautions are so instrumental in helping to keep this [pandemic] from being worse than it already is,” she said.

Enviral Tech hopes to soon use surface testing in other buildings like workplaces and offices.