Identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in healthcare heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units

摘要

Evidence continues to grow supporting the aerosol transmission of severe acute respiratorysyndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).To assess the potential role of heating,ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in airborne viral transmission,this study sought to determine the viral presence, if any, on air handling units in ahealthcare setting where coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)patients were beingtreated. The presence of SARS-CoV-2RNA was detected in approximately 25% ofsamples taken from ten different locations in multiple air handlers. While sampleswere not evaluated for viral infectivity, the presence of viral RNA in air handlers raisesthe possibility that viral particles can enter and travel within the air handling systemof a hospital, from room return air through high-efficiencyMERV-15filters and intosupply air ducts. Although no known transmission events were determined to be associatedwith these specimens, the findings suggest the potential for HVAC systemsto facilitate transfer of virions to locations remote from areas where infected personsreside. These results are important within and outside of healthcare settings and maypresent necessary guidance for building operators of facilities that are not equippedwith high-efficiencyfiltration. Furthermore, the identification of SARS-CoV-2inHVAC components indicates the potential utility as an indoor environmental surveillancelocation.