Modeling the Stability of SARS-CoV-2 on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020 Dec 22;104(2):549-551. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1508.

Abstract

We modeled the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on personal protective equipment (PPE) commonly worn in hospitals when carrying out high-risk airway procedures. Evaluated PPE included the visors and hoods of two brands of commercially available powered air purifying respirators, a disposable face shield, and Tyvek coveralls. Following an exposure to 4.3 log10 plaque-forming units (PFUs) of SARS-CoV-2, all materials displayed a reduction in titer of > 4.2 log10 by 72 hours postexposure, with detectable titers at 72 hours varying by material (1.1-2.3 log10 PFU/mL). Our results highlight the need for proper doffing and disinfection of PPE, or disposal, to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 contact or fomite transmission.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / transmission*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Gloves, Protective / virology*
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional
  • Microbial Viability*
  • Personal Protective Equipment / virology*
  • Respiratory Protective Devices / virology*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology*