SARS-CoV-2 Detection on Artificially Contaminated Surfaces by Rapid Antigen Test

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of an antigen-based rapid test for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on artificially contaminated objects in comparison with a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) standard method.Materials and Methods: Artificial surface contamination with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 was tested on ten different objects comprising fruits and common materials. Three contamination levels with virus titers of 103, 104, and 105 pfu/100 μl were studied. Each object was spiked with 200 μl of virus suspension, samples were then collected by swabbing and evaluated by rapid antigen test and RT-qPCR. Additionally, 3- and 5-day contamination with SARSCoV‑2 at 105 pfu/100 μl was tested for some materials.Results: The detection rate obtained by the rapid antigen test with 103, 104, and 105 pfu/100 μl of SARS-CoV-2 was 10%, 90%, and 90%, respectively for the tested objects. RT‑qPCR showed a detection rate of 100% at all virus titers. Furthermore, both rapid antigen test and RT-qPCR were able to detect the 3- and 5-day extended contamination with SARS-CoV-2.Conclusion: The collected data suggests that the evaluated rapid antigen test is suitable for detection of SARS-CoV-2 adhered to non-human samples as a screening method. This simple method can reduce costs and turnaround time when compared to a standard molecular assay. It may be applied to enhance safety policies for COVID-19 prevention in public health and international export-businesses.