High stability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA under minimal storage conditions for detection by Real-Time PCR

Reliable diagnosis, executed by Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR), builds the current basis in SARS-CoV-2 containment. Transport and storage conditions are the main indicators determining the quality of respiratory specimens. According to shortages in commercially available viral transport media, the primary aim of this study was to explore the reliability of minimal transport media including saline and CDC Viral Transport Media (HBSS VTM) composition for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis by Real-time PCR compared to recommended commercially available standard Universal Transport Media (UTM). This study also implicated the stability of other respiratory viruses, including influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, providing further evidence for future recommendations on transport and storage of respiratory viruses. Both viral transport media (self-made HBSS VTM and UTM) and saline (0.9% NaCl) allow adequate detection of SARS- CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses, regardless of an increase in storage temperature (up to 28 °C) and time (over 28 days). Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 specimens with varying chlorine concentrations, commonly used in swimming pools, resulted in a significant decrease of viral RNA.ImportanceDetection of respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 depends on the quality of respiratory specimens, predominantly determined by transport and storage conditions. Our study revealed the high resilience of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses enabling proper detection in clinical specimens even after long- time storage at high temperatures. This study provides evidence for future recommendations for transport and storage of respiratory viruses, including SARS- CoV-2.Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-positive respiratory specimens with chlorine indicates an early degradation of the virus after the addition of the oxidant, proposing sufficient inactivation of the virus in swimming pool water.