DETECTION OF SARS-COV-2 RNA ON SURFACES

The fight against COVID-19 has given the world an idea of how necessary it is to be prepared for high risk situations like the pandemic, some studies have detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces mainly where there has been contact with the infected, such as door handles and cell phones. The persistence of this virus on surfaces has been shown to be able to reach long periods, sometimes even months, in fomites and especially in areas with a higher risk of contamination, such as hospitals. Even when only the presence of viral RNA is detected, there are still means that greatly influence the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, such as the hygienic conditions of the place. However, when it is detected in the environment, its viability and/or ability to cause infection cannot be confirmed. The aim of this study was to analyze a total of 21 samples collected to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on different surfaces in an ICU room with patients being treated by COVID-19, in order to assess the frequency of the presence and the sanitation conditions of the environment, including the analysis of data obtained from the history of patients at this site.