Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol and surface samples in high acuity hospital settings during community epidemic waves – implications for risk-based infection control

Respiratory Medicine 2026 Open access

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Authors: C.Raina MacIntyre, Adriana Notaras, Noor Bari, Con Doolan, Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelkareem Mahmoud, Damian Alexander Honeyman, Andre Fellipe Vilanova de Araujo Aquino, Ian Seppelt, Mark Nicholls, Stuart Grant Turville, Anupriya Aggarwal, Mohana Priya Kunasekaran
+8 more Rebecca Gresham, Gregory J. Walker, Andrea T. K. Sevendal, William Rawlinson, Isla E. Emmen, Shelby L. O’Connor, David H. O’Connor, Charitha M. de Silva
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2026.108712
Cited by: 1
References: 37

Abstract

Rationale Nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is multifactorial and may vary between clinical sites. Objectives To measure SARS-CoV-2 in the air and on surfaces within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Department (ED). Methods We conducted an air and surface-sampling study of SARS-CoV-2 in the ED and ICU of a hospital in Sydney. Measurements We sampled air, patient equipment, and personal protective equipment during two community COVID-19 epidemics. SARS-CoV-2 was detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Carbon dioxide (CO 2) was measured simultaneously, with

Fields of Study & Subjects

Infection Control and Ventilation SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Respiratory Medicine
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
253
Pages
108712–108712
Publication date
13 February 2026
Language
EN