SARS-CoV-2 Contamination of Ambulance Surfaces and Effectiveness of Routine Decontamination Procedure: A Classic Hygiene Lesson for A Novel Pathogen

Tatjana Baldovin, Irene Amoruso (), Matteo Paganini, Camilla Marcato, Riccardo Boscolo Cegion, Andrea Favaro, Chiara Bertoncello, Marco Fonzo and Vincenzo Baldo
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Tatjana Baldovin: Laboratory of Hygiene and Applied Microbiology, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Irene Amoruso: Laboratory of Hygiene and Applied Microbiology, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Matteo Paganini: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
Camilla Marcato: School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Riccardo Boscolo Cegion: School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Andrea Favaro: Department of Emergency Medical Services, San Bassiano Hospital, ULSS7 Pedemontana, 36061 Bassano del Grappa, Italy
Chiara Bertoncello: Laboratory of Hygiene and Applied Microbiology, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Marco Fonzo: Laboratory of Hygiene and Applied Microbiology, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Vincenzo Baldo: Laboratory of Hygiene and Applied Microbiology, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-7

Abstract: The efficacy of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the decontamination of ambulances against SARS-CoV-2 has been debated. In Italy, the differential use of ambulances was implemented by regional health authorities, with selected vehicles being used exclusively for transporting COVID-19 patients. We investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on high-touch surfaces in ambulances to assess contamination dynamics and the effectiveness of decontamination SOPs. Four high-touch surfaces were sampled before and after decontamination (T0; T1). The gloves of the EMS crew chief were also sampled. RNA extraction was performed with a commercial kit, followed by RT-qPCR molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2. A total of 11 transports were considered. Seven transports had at least one positive sample; all were related to a COVID-19 patient. Three of the negative transports had dealt with COVID-19 case, and one had dealt with a COVID-19-negative patient. One door handle and one oxygen knob were positive at T0, with negative T1 swabs. The monitors were positive in 5 transports at T0, yet they were never positive at T1. Three stretcher handles tested positive at T0, and two of them also at T1, possibly having bypassed decontamination during personnel dismounting. Gloves were contaminated in five transports, in which 1 to 3 additional samples (monitor, knob, stretcher) resulted as positive. Overall, the efficacy of decontamination SOPs was confirmed under the unprecedented conditions of the COVID-19 emergency. However, the importance of correct hand-hygiene and glove-disposal should be further emphasized through the dedicated training of EMS personnel.

Keywords: emergency medical services (EMS); prehospital emergency medicine; COVID-19; ambulance; healthcare-associated infection (HAI); medical-transport-associated infection (MTAI) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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