Researchers at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the University of Cambridge have made a significant breakthrough in the battle against COVID-19.
In a recent study, a team of doctors, scientists, and engineers placed an air filtration machine in COVID-19 wards and observed that it successfully eliminated almost all traces of airborne SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
This discovery holds immense importance in ensuring the safety of both patients and medical staff, especially in repurposed ‘surge wards,’ which have become essential due to the overwhelming number of COVID-19 cases. While personal protective equipment (PPE) has played a crucial role in protecting healthcare workers, concerns remained about the potential airborne transmission of the virus.
The findings of this research also raise the possibility of establishing standards for cleaner air in healthcare facilities to minimize the risk of airborne transmission of infections. By reducing the airborne presence of SARS-CoV-2, hospitals can enhance infection control measures and create safer environments for patients and medical professionals.
The study involved investigating the efficacy of portable air filtration and UV sterilization devices in general wards that were transformed into COVID-19 wards and COVID Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The team installed High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air filters/UV sterilizers in two repurposed COVID-19 units at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. These devices continuously filtered the air between five and ten times per hour.
The results were remarkable. In the surge ward, where the air filter was actively operating, SARS-CoV-2 was undetectable on all testing days. When the machine was turned off, traces of the virus were detected on some days. Similarly, in the ICU, the air filters significantly reduced the airborne presence of SARS-CoV-2 during their operation.
Apart from removing airborne SARS-CoV-2, the air filters demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing levels of bacterial, fungal, and other viral bioaerosols in both the surge ward and ICU, highlighting an additional benefit of this system.
Dr. Andrew Conway Morris, the study’s first author, expressed surprise at the air filters’ efficacy in eliminating airborne SARS-CoV-2. The study emphasizes the potential of air filtration systems in enhancing the safety of wards, especially those that were not originally designed to handle highly infectious diseases like COVID-19.
To assess air quality, the research team developed a robust technique involving air samplers and PCR assays, similar to those used in standard COVID-19 tests, ensuring accurate measurements.
Professor Stephen Baker emphasized the need for standardized air quality measures, as different healthcare settings may require tailored approaches to maintain cleanliness and safety.
This groundbreaking study received support from Wellcome, the Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. The findings offer a glimmer of hope in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and pave the way for better infection control strategies to combat airborne viruses in healthcare settings.
