Dry Swabs Research Articles

One swab, two tests: Validation of dual SARS-CoV-2 testing on the Abbott ID NOW™.

BackgroundPoint-of-care tests (POCT) are promising tools to detect SARS-CoV-2 in specific settings. Initial reports suggest the ID NOW™ COVID-19 assay (Abbott Diagnostics Inc, USA) is less sensitive than standard real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays. This has raised concern over false negatives in SARS-CoV-2 POCT.ObjectivesWe compared the performance of the ID NOW™ COVID-19 assay to our in-house rRT-PCR assay to assess whether dry swabs used in ID NOW™ testing could be stored in transport media and be re-tested by rRT-PCR for redundancy and to provide material for further investigation.MethodsPaired respiratory swabs collected from patients at three acute care hospitals were used. One swab in transport media (McMaster Molecular Media (MMM)) was tested for SARS-CoV-2 by a laboratory-developed two-target rRT-PCR assay. The second was stored dry in a sterile container and tested by the ID NOW™ COVID-19 assay. Following ID NOW™ testing, dry swabs were stored in MMM for up to 48 h and re-tested by rRT-PCR. Serially diluted SARS-CoV-2 particles were used to assess the impact of heat inactivation and storage time.ResultsRespiratory swabs (n = 343) from 179 individuals were included. Using rRT-PCR results as the comparator, the ID NOW™ COVID-19 assay had positive (PPA) and negative (NPA) percent agreements of 87.0% (95% CI:0.74–0.94) and 99.7% (95% CI:0.98–0.99). Re-tested swabs placed in MMM following ID NOW testing had PPA and NPA of 88.8% (95% CI:0.76–0.95) and 99.7% (95% CI:0.98–0.99), respectively.ConclusionsStoring spent dry swabs in transport media for redundancy rRT-PCR testing is a potential approach to address possible false negatives with the ID NOW™ COVID-19 assay.

Nasal Swab Performance by Collection Timing, Procedure, and Method of Transport for Patients with SARS-CoV-2.

ABSTRACTThe urgent need for large-scale diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 has prompted interest in sample collection methods of sufficient sensitivity to replace nasopharynx (NP) sampling. Nasal swab samples are an attractive alternative; however, previous studies have disagreed over how nasal sampling performs relative to NP sampling. Here, we compared nasal versus NP specimens collected by health care workers in a cohort of individuals clinically suspected of COVID-19 as well as SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription (RT)-PCR-positive outpatients undergoing follow-up. We compared subjects being seen for initial evaluation versus follow-up, two different nasal swab collection protocols, and three different transport conditions, including traditional viral transport media (VTM) and dry swabs, on 307 total study participants. We compared categorical results and viral loads to those from standard NP swabs collected at the same time from the same patients. All testing was performed by RT-PCR on the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 RealTime emergency use authorization (EUA) (limit of detection [LoD], 100 copies viral genomic RNA/ml transport medium). We found low concordance overall, with Cohen’s kappa (κ) of 0.49, with high concordance only for subjects with very high viral loads. We found medium concordance for testing at initial presentation (κ = 0.68) and very low concordance for follow-up testing (κ = 0.27). Finally, we show that previous reports of high concordance may have resulted from measurement using assays with sensitivity of ≥1,000 copies/ml. These findings suggest nasal-swab testing be used for situations in which viral load is expected to be high, as we demonstrate that nasal swab testing is likely to miss patients with low viral loads.

Accessioning and automation compatible anterior nares swab design

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unparalleled need for viral testing capacity across the world and is a critical requirement for successful re-opening of economies. The logistical barriers to near-universal testing are considerable. We have designed an injection molded polypropylene anterior nares swab, the Rhinostic, with a screw cap integrated into the swab handle that is compatible with fully automated sample accessioning and processing. The ability to collect and release both human and viral material is comparable to that of several commonly used swabs on the market. SARS-CoV-2 is stable on dry Rhinostic swabs for at least 3 days, even at 42 °C, and elution can be achieved with small volumes. To test the performance of the Rhinostic in patients, 119 samples were collected with Rhinostic and the positive and negative determinations were 100 % concordant with samples collected using Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) use approved nasal swabs at a clinical lab. The Rhinostic swab and barcoded tube set can be produced, sterilized, and packaged cost effectively and is designed to be adopted by clinical laboratories using automation to increase throughput and dramatically reduce the cost of a standard SARS-CoV-2 detection pipeline.

Critical evaluation of faecal microbiome preservation using metagenomic analysis

The ability to preserve microbial communities in faecal samples is essential as increasing numbers of studies seek to use the gut microbiome to identify biomarkers of disease. Here we use shotgun metagenomics to rigorously evaluate the technical and compositional reproducibility of five room temperature (RT) microbial stabilisation methods compared to the best practice of flash-freezing. These methods included RNALater, OMNIGene-GUT, a dry BBL swab, LifeGuard, and a novel method for preserving faecal samples, a Copan FLOQSwab in an active drying tube (FLOQSwab-ADT). Each method was assessed using six replicate faecal samples from five participants, totalling 180 samples. The FLOQSwab-ADT performed best for both technical and compositional reproducibility, followed by RNAlater and OMNIgene-GUT. LifeGuard and the BBL swab had unpredictable outgrowth of Escherichia species in at least one replicate from each participant. We further evaluated the FLOQSwab-ADT in an additional 239 samples across 10 individuals after storage at −20 °C, RT, and 50 °C for four weeks compared to fresh controls. The FLOQSwab-ADT maintained its performance across all temperatures, indicating this method is an excellent alternative to existing RT stabilisation methods.

384 Use of A Dry Swab During ACL Hamstring Tendon Graft Preparation May Lead to Decreased Graft Diameter at Implantation with Subsequent Rebound in Graft Diameter When Exposed to Haemarthrosis – A Porcine Tendon Study

Abstract Introduction ACL reconstruction surgery commonly utilises a hamstring tendon graft. Grafts are normally covered with a wet swab prior to implantation. The aim of this study was to determine the variance in graft diameter when comparing the traditional wet swab to a dry swab. Method Flexor tendons from a selection of fresh pig trotters were isolated and prepared with a standard ACL graft preparation technique. Half of the grafts were covered with a wet swab; the other half were covered with a dry swab. Graft diameters were measured at 10-minute intervals. After 30 minutes the grafts were submerged in Hartmann’s solution to simulate the post-operative haemarthrosis, diameters were checked again after 1 hour in the solution. Results Use of a dry swab resulted in a 0.5mm greater reduction in diameter than the wet swab group. The dry swab group also showed an increase in diameter by 0.5mm when soaked in Hartmann’s solution, this was not seen in the wet swab group. Conclusions Using a dry swab produces a smaller graft diameter, this would allow smaller bone tunnels, retaining bone stock. The subsequent rebound in diameter when in solution may increase the press fit mechanism and facilitate improved integration into the bone tunnel.

Sampling touch DNA from human skin following skin‐to‐skin contact in mock assault scenarios—A comparison of nine collection methods

Collection of touch DNA from an offender on the victim's skin can provide relevant evidence for investigations of criminal cases. Therefore, the choice of the optimal sample collection method is crucial. In this study, we investigated the recovery of STR profiles from touch DNA on human skin by comparing nine different collection methods: the dry and wet cotton swabs in three different movements, the double-swab (wet-dry) method, the wet and dry Copan FLOQSwabs™, and the Scene Safe FAST™ minitapes. Mock assault scenarios were conducted with a male offender grasping the forearms of a female victim. Samples were collected from the assaulted area of the victim's skin, and the recovery of the offender's STR profile was evaluated. Our results indicate that the different swabs and swabbing techniques did not have a distinct impact on the STR recovery; however, the lowest STR recovery was achieved with Scene Safe FAST™ minitapes. In addition, we compared the double-swab method to the single-swab method by analyzing the DNA quantity of the wet and dry swabs separately. We found on average 13.7% more offender DNA using the double-swab method, but this did not translate into higher STR recovery. Our findings indicate that several methods perform equally well when collecting touch DNA from human skin, although SceneSafe FAST™ minitapes seem to be the least adequate for this purpose.

Optimization of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing in a rural healthcare facility in the United States

Background: The diagnostic testing for SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) presented a profound challenge to the entire world, dominating the concern of most governments and public health systems, particularly rural community hospitals in the United States. Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in partnership with Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) began on site, same-day COVID-19 testing in efforts to not only combat the challenges that health providers faced in rural Indiana community but also help to strengthen global diagnostic capacity.Methods: Clinical samples were collected as dry swabs from the nasopharyngeal (NP) regions and processed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The crude RNA was directly tested using real-time (RT) reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) with PrimeDirect probe RT-qPCR Mix (Takara Bio USA) and optimized with probe-primer sets [Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT)].Results: Validation experiments with dry swabs from NP clinical samples showed no difference in the testing accuracy to those collected in viral transport medium or universal transport medium. Extraction of COVID-19 RNA in PBS reduced processing time of a batch of 50 NP clinical samples from 6 hours to an hour. This allowed for rapid diagnostic testing of nearly 200 clinical samples per day. Optimization of analytical variables helped to detect virus loads up to 2.0 copies/μl during routine diagnostic testing.Conclusions: During an infectious outbreak, the ideal response by public health authorities is rapid testing. The collaboration between IUP and IRMC attests to the importance of teamwork between local initiatives to detect and prevent further spread within a rural community.

Pain response to cannabidiol in induced acute nociceptive pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia by using a model mimicking acute pain in healthy adults in a randomized trial (CANAB I).

Preclinical studies have demonstrated the analgesic potential of cannabidiol (CBD). Those suggesting an effect on pain-processing receptors have brought CBD back into focus. This study assessed the effect of CBD on acute pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia compared with placebo. Twenty healthy volunteers were included in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover study assessing pain intensities (using numeric rating scale), secondary hyperalgesia (von Frey filament), and allodynia (dry cotton swab) in a well-established acute pain model with intradermal electrical stimulation. The authors compared the effect of 800-mg orally administered CBD on pain compared with placebo. They further examined the effect on hyperalgesia and allodynia. Cannabidiol whole blood levels were also measured. Pain ratings (mean ± SD) did not differ significantly after CBD application compared with placebo (5.2 ± 0.7 vs 5.3 ± 0.7, P-value 0.928), neither did the areas of hyperalgesia and allodynia differ significantly after CBD application compared with placebo (hyperalgesia 23.9 ± 19.2 cm2 vs 27.4 ± 17.0 cm2, P-value 0.597; allodynia 16.6 ± 13.1 cm2 vs 17.3 ± 14.1 cm2, P-value 0.884). The CBD whole blood level (median, first to third quartile) was 2.0 µg/L (1.5-5.1) 60 minutes and 5.0 µg/L (4.0-10.4) 130 minutes after CBD application. Although the oral application of 800-mg CBD failed to show a significant effect, it is important to focus future research on different dosing, routes of administration, and CBD as a part of multimodal treatment strategies before negating its effects on acute pain.

The Effects of "Dry Swab" Incubation on SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Testing.

Widespread testing of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in shortages of collection devices and transport media. We evaluated the stability of flocked swabs inoculated with SARS-CoV-2-containing specimen incubated dry (i.e., without transport medium) at room temperature. A pool of SARS-CoV-2 positive specimen was used to inoculate flocked swabs. Five swabs were placed immediately into universal transport media (UTM) following inoculation, and tested immediately (day 0). Fifteen of the swabs were placed into sterile 15-mL conical tubes and incubated at room temperature for 1, 2, or 7 days. Following incubation, swabs were hydrated in separate vials of UTM and tested. This protocol was repeated for viral transport media (VTM) and saline. As a comparison, a series of swabs was prepared and tested in parallel, but stored in the corresponding liquid transport media (UTM, VTM, or saline) and incubated at room temperature. Testing was performed at 1, 2, and 7 days postinoculation in duplicate. All molecular testing was performed using the Roche cobas SARS-CoV-2 assay. All dry swabs tested on days 1, 2, and 7 provided results that were within 2 cycle thresholds (CTs) of the average CT values for swabs hydrated in the same media and tested on day 0. There was no statistical difference in CT values between swabs incubated in liquid media versus dry swabs incubated at room temperature prior to hydration in liquid media. The utilization of "dry swabs" may simplify specimen collection, negate the need for liquid transport media, and mitigate safety risks while preserving the accuracy of testing.

Substantiation of the method of manufacturing gauze swabs depending on the purpose of use

Annotation. Gauze remains the main dressing. It is used to make swabs for drying wounds and dissecting tissues. The purpose of the work is to establish the optimal density of the swab for drainage of the wound and preparation of tissues. Swabs made of 10x12 cm gauze fragments were investigated. The gauze fragments were weighed before and after immersion in water and the absorption capacity per unit dry weight was calculated. The dissecting properties of the swabs were investigated on plasticine blocks, the surface of which was pressed with a force of 12 N. The formed depressions were filled with gypsum. The volume and weight of the casts were determined. To determine the reliability of the difference between the two mean values used the reliability criterion t (Student’s test). It was found that loose swabs absorbed 913.5±43.9% of water, medium density – 766.3±55.2%, dense – 682.9±70.1 (p˂0.05). This is due to the fact that loose swabs have the largest in radius and length of the capillaries. When studying the recesses formed by embossing the swab on the surface of the block, it was found that when using loose swabs formed a deep conical recess, which indicated the risk of injury. When embossed with dry swabs of medium density received molds weighing 0.034±0.0000011 g, wet – 0.033±0.0000011 g (p>0.05). When using dense swabs – 0.037±0.0000011 g and 0.034±0.0000011 g, respectively (p˂0.05). Dense swabs showed the best dissecting properties. When wet, they are slightly but significantly reduced. Medium density swabs have slightly worse dissecting properties. When wet, they did not change significantly. We attribute the decrease in dissecting properties to the displacement of water from the gauze when pressed. Thus, loose swabs (∆M=913.5%±43.9%) absorb fluid best, which determines their predominant use for wound drying. Dense swabs are characterized by the lowest absorption capacity (682.9±70.1%), the best dissecting properties.

Comparison of pre-analytical characteristics for molecular and serological diagnostics of COVID-19.

Background: The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection relies on RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs. The pre-analytical value of different methods of material harvesting for SARS-CoV-2 are unknown. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive investigation of the pre-analytical performance for different pharyngeal sampling procedures in hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition to swabs taken simultaneously from different locations, saliva and pharyngeal lavages were also analyzed using RT-PCR.Results: In 10 COVID-19 patients, standard nasopharyngeal swabs detected 8 out of 10 positive patients, whereas swabs taken from the palatoglossal arch resulted in 9 correct-positive results. Brushing the posterior pharynx wall with swabs resulted in detection of 9 out of 10 positive patients with no difference using either dry swabs or liquid Amies medium. A strong correlation between Ct values of both swab materials was observed. Pharyngeal lavages yielded 6 out of 10 positive results in concordance with 85% of nasopharyngeal swabs in late-stage COVID-19 patients. Investigating 23 patients with early SARS-CoV-2 infection, pharyngeal lavages showed a concordance rate of 100% compared to nasopharyngeal swabs.Conclusions: The diagnostic performance of swabs taken from the palatoglossal arch in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection is similar to that of specimens taken from the nasopharyngeal region. However, the former sampling method is associated with less discomfort and much easier to perform. Pharyngeal lavages may replace swabs for mass screening in early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The predictive values are comparable, and the procedure is performed without exposing healthcare workers to transmission risks.

Cost Estimation of the New HPV/DNA Test Screening Procedure per Person among 35 Years Old Ever-Married Women in a District of Sri Lanka

Background: HPV/DNA screening test has an optimum sensitivity (92.9%) to detect cervical lesions. The objective of the study was to estimate the cost of cobas 4800 HPV/DNA test in thin prep cell collection media. Methods: The cost estimation of the HPV/DNA specimen collection was done at a randomly selected community Well Woman Clinic (WWC) in the district of Sri Lanka. Five women, who were attended WWC for HPV/DNA specimen collection in September, October, and November 2018 were randomly selected for the cost estimation. To estimate the cost incurred in laboratory screening of the HPV/DNA specimen by cobas 4800 HPV/DNA PCR test, a reference laboratory in the district was utilized. Checklists were developed to record all instruments and consumable items used in the clinic and laboratory, while record sheets were developed to record the time taken to complete all activities associated with taking an HPV/DNA specimen by the clinic and laboratory staff. Five HPV/DNA specimen collection procedures were randomly selected at each of three sessions and the average time per procedure was calculated. Categories of staff involved in the procedure and staff time spent on the procedure were measured and recorded on three clinic days. Staff time spent on HPV/DNA specimen screening by an HPV/DNA testing machine in the laboratory was calculated on three working days (One day per month). Results: The total estimated cost of the HPV/DNA specimen collection procedure incurred by the government in the community WWC was Rs.2569.38 (USD 13.81), while the total estimated unit cost in the laboratory procedure for HPV/DNA screening was Rs. 50.57(USD 0.27).Therefore the total estimated cost of the HPV/ DNA specimen screening procedure was Rs. 2619.95(USD 14.08). The estimated unit cost including administrative cost was Rs. 2881.95(USD 15.49). Conclusion: Cobas HPV/DNA test is economically feasible to be incorporated into the national cervical cancer screening programme in Sri Lanka. It is necessary to further attempt alternative methods of cobas 4800 HPV/DNA test (i.e. dry swabs) to determine the most appropriate method for resource limited settings.

Evaluation of Saline as Potential Alternative to Viral Transport Media for COVID-19 Samples Stored at Different Temperatures

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV 2) virus, a causative agent of COVID-19 has led to universal pandemic. During this pandemic there has been an acute shortage of good quality Viral Transport Medium (VTM) because of increase in number of infected people worldwide. It is also difficult to maintain the transport and storing conditions in line with the guidelines in pandemics. Aim: To assess the feasibility of Oropharyngeal Swab (OP)/Nasal swabs in 0.9% normal saline in place of VTM and to analyse the effect of temperature on nucleic acid detection by rRT PCR on saline samples stored at 4ºC, ambient and at higher temperature (37ºC). Materials and Methods: The present study was an observational analytical study which included 94 positive and 5 negative samples. Patients' nasal or OP samples were collected as dry swabs and in VTM. Normal saline was added once the samples were received in the laboratory. PCR was done with saline and VTM samples both on day 1. Samples were aliquotted in 3 sets and one set was kept at 4º-8º C and other two at 25ºC and 37ºC, respectively. All positive samples were further tested on day 3, day 4 and day 6. Results were analysed and compared. Results: Samples in normal saline showed very good sensitivity at all temperatures (4º-8ºC, 25ºC and 37ºC) till day 6. Both the swab samples (in saline and in VTM) showed nearly 100% agreement in rRT-PCR results. Ct value variation was also ≤±2. Conclusion: Looking into the cost and logistics issues especially during pandemics, saline is a good and cheaper alternative to VTM and with its use, testing capacity can be expanded.

The Acceptability and Preference of Vaginal Self-sampling for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing among a Multi-ethnic Asian Female Population.

Vaginal self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing can potentially increase cervical screening coverage. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing and factors that might influence a woman's preference for this as a cervical screening method. This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 725 women from the urban and suburban areas of Selangor, Malaysia. All study participants were instructed to self-collect vaginal sample using a dry flocked swab before responding to a detailed questionnaire documenting their experience and preference for self-sampling. Most of the study participants (>80%) perceived vaginal self-sampling as easy, convenient, not embarrassing, comfortable, and were confident in performing the test. This suggests high acceptability toward vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing. Of the 725 women, 83% preferred self-sampling HPV testing over healthcare personnel sampling HPV testing and Pap test. Women with higher household income and full-time employment status were more likely to prefer self-sampling. Those who had not undergone Pap test also expressed preference for self-sampling HPV testing. Convenience and women's confidence in performing a vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing were the independent key factors that influenced the preference for self-sampling method. Vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing is highly acceptable among Malaysian women. It is the preferred choice as a primary cervical screening method and serves as an alternative to healthcare-acquired sample for Pap test. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Organized cervical cancer screening remains unachievable in many countries. Self-sampling HPV testing is an evidence-based method that can remove barriers to cervical screening. This is particularly important for developing countries in order to achieve the WHO global strategy to accelerate cervical cancer elimination.

Comparison of Three Skin Sampling Methods and Two Media for Culturing Malassezia Yeast.

Malassezia is a lipid-dependent commensal yeast of the human skin. The different culture media and skin sampling methods used to grow these fastidious yeasts are a source of heterogeneity in culture-based epidemiological study results. This study aimed to compare the performances of three methods of skin sampling, and two culture media for the detection of Malassezia yeasts by culture from the human skin. Three skin sampling methods, namely sterile gauze, dry swab, and TranswabTM with transport medium, were applied on 10 healthy volunteers at 5 distinct body sites. Each sample was further inoculated onto either the novel FastFung medium or the reference Dixon agar for the detection of Malassezia spp. by culture. At least one colony of Malassezia spp. grew on 93/300 (31%) of the cultures, corresponding to 150 samplings. The positive culture rate was 67%, 18%, and 15% (P < 10−3), for samples collected with sterile gauze, TranswabTM, and dry swab, respectively. The positive culture rate was 62% and 38% (P < 0.003) by using the FastFung and the Dixon media, respectively. Our results showed that sterile gauze rubbing skin sampling followed by inoculation on FastFung medium should be implemented in the routine clinical laboratory procedure for Malassezia spp. cultivation.

An investigation of two methods of DNA recovery from fired and unfired 9 mm ammunition

Cartridge cases are often recovered from crime scenes involving firearms and, in the United Kingdom (where gun possession is strictly controlled), these are commonly from 9 mm calibre ammunition. The ability to obtain informative DNA profiles from touch DNA on recovered cartridges could have a significant impact on the investigation of that type of offence. However, this avenue may not be routinely considered as investigators in the UK have historically had a low expectation of obtaining useful DNA profiles. This stance may not be unreasonable given that (a) only trace amounts of DNA are likely to have been transferred onto the cartridge cases through handling; and (b) when the cartridge is spent, the potential deterioration of that DNA caused by the act of discharging the weapon.We introduce a novel semi-automatable method using direct lysis for the recovery of DNA from ammunition and compare it with a traditional double-swabbing method (using wet and dry swabs). DNA profiling of the DNA recovered using both methods was carried out using the ESI17 FAST STR system (Promega). This demonstrated a significant increase in DNA recovery using the direct lysis approach, and correspondingly improved STR results.We also investigated the effect on the recovery and profiling of DNA from fired, and unfired, 9 mm cartridges using the direct lysis technique. These results demonstrate that DNA suitable for STR analysis can still be recovered from fired ammunition with only slightly reduced yields compared to unfired ammunition. In these experiments, the handler of the ammunition was most commonly either the sole contributor or the major contributor to the recovered DNA profile.

Evaluation of Methods for Sampling of Staphylococcus aureus and Other Staphylococcus Species from Indoor Surfaces.

ObjectivesMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasing public and occupational health concern. As transmission of MRSA can occur via contact with fomites, it is crucial to have sensitive methods for sampling of bacteria. The overall aim of this study was to obtain knowledge about methods and strategies for quantitative sampling Staphylococcus species on surfaces.MethodsThe study was designed as a comparative sampling experiment with different samplers [dipslide (two agar types), swabs (three brands, used wet and dry, and elution from swabs or plate diluted)] on smooth stainless steel surfaces spiked with MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Furthermore, bacteria sampled from indoor surfaces with frequent or infrequent contact with hands were quantified and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS).ResultsPre-moistened swabs in combination with dilution plating and dipslides were more sensitive than dry swabs. For recovery of MRSA and MSSA from surfaces with eSwabs, at least 0.3–100 CFU MRSA cm−2 and 5.3–8.6 CFU MSSA cm−2 should be present. The sensitivities of pre-moistened eSwabs were approximately 10-fold higher than those of dipslides and pre-moistened viscose and cotton swabs. The variation in concentrations of Staphylococcus species in replicate sampling of adjacent squares on indoor surfaces was higher for surfaces frequently touched by hands than for surfaces infrequently touched. In total 16 different Staphylococcus species were identified, and S. aureus was found only in 2 of 66 surface samples. A considerable overlap was found between species in replicate sampling within an environment and between the air and surfaces within an environment.ConclusionsPre-moistened eSwabs in combination with dilution plating were found to be the best method for surface sampling of MSSA and MRSA. The method can be used for assessing the risk of exposure and transmission of MRSA from environmental surfaces. To obtain a reliable measure of concentrations and the presence of Staphylococccus species a higher number of samples should be taken from surfaces with hand contact than from surfaces dominated by sedimented bacteria.

Antibiotics Resistance and Biofilm Formation Capacity of Staphylococcus spp. Strains Isolated from Surfaces and Medicotechnical Materials.

Staphylococcus spp. is most often implicated in nosocomial infections. The objective of this study is to evaluate the susceptibility to antibiotics and the biofilm formation capacity of staphylococci species isolated from surfaces and medicotechnical materials at the university hospital center of Abomey-Calavi/Sô-Ava in Benin. Samples were collected according to ISO/DIS14698-1 standard from the surfaces and medicotechnical materials by the dry swab method. The isolation of Staphylococcus strains was performed on Chapman agar, and their identification was performed using microscopic and biochemical methods. The susceptibility of Staphylococcus isolates to antibiotics was evaluated by the disc diffusion method according to EUCAST and CLSI recommendations. The biofilm formation was qualitatively assessed using microplates. Of the 128 surfaces and medicotechnical material samples analyzed, 77% were contaminated with Staphylococcus spp. Thirteen species of Staphylococcus were isolated in different proportions but the pediatric department was the most contaminated (33%) by S. aureus. Resistance to antibiotics considerably varies according to the species of Staphylococcus. However, antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and vancomycin are the most effective on S. aureus, whereas coagulase-negative staphylococci developed less resistance to gentamycin and ciprofloxacin. The biofilm test reveals that 37% of our isolated strains were biofilm formers. Although regular monitoring of hospital hygiene is crucial, the optimal use of antibiotics is a cornerstone of reducing antimicrobial resistance.

AGA Institute Rapid Review and Recommendations on the Role of Pre-Procedure SARS-CoV-2 Testing and Endoscopy

AGA Institute Rapid Review and Recommendations on the Role of Pre-Procedure SARS-CoV-2 Testing and Endoscopy

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the early diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease in children

BackgroundRapid molecular diagnostic testing has the potential to improve the early recognition of meningococcal disease (MD). The aim of this study was to report on the diagnostic test accuracy of...