Assessment Of Traces Of Sars-Cov-2 Rna In A Laboratory Setting Using In Vitro-Diagnostic Rt-Qpcr

Abstract

The global incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection is now very low. Despite the vaccination drive worldwide, the emergence of new omicron variants and their infection have been reported in a few countries. It is now required to identify potential risks associated with the COVID-19 disease aftermath’s 3rd disease wave. During pandemic stages, the healthcare system bears a significant burden in identifying early risk and providing early management to reduce infection. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to assess the laboratory risk of SARS-CoV-2 contamination. The samples were collected from the various blocks of the testing centre, including the surface, floor, diagnostic instruments, solutions, and tap water, and then RNA was isolated and in-vitro diagnostic RT-qPCR was performed. A total of 316 samples were collected and analysed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Our findings confirmed that only four samples (1.77%) had ORF-1ab and E gene signals, which indicated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The CT values for the E gene were 34.52 [IQR: 32.37-36.36] and 35.02 [IQR:34.25-35.76] for the ORF1-ab gene, respectively. All four were taken from the surfaces, indicating that other parts were contamination-free. Very few positive contaminations demonstrated that laboratory sterilising processes are fully functional and effective. This study eventually provided more information about the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA traces in the environment aftermath of 3rd disease wave of COVID-19, including diagnostic laboratories.