Surface testing

The current threat to human health and life has forced many entrepreneurs to introduce additional security measures in their facilities and plants. An additional challenge is to ensure customers, recipients and employees that the implemented procedures and safeguards are appropriate and effective, and that staying in these facilities - safe, which in many industries may be the only chance for business survival.

Coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS CoV2). Main route of transmission is mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Potential indirect route of transmission is by touching surfaces. This virus may lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and is predominantly transmitted person to person via droplets. Due to the virus’ potential for a prolonged stability on surfaces, transmission through contaminated surfaces is being investigated as a possible route of exposure.

In the current coronavirus outbreak, companies and health authorities seek for solutions to monitor the presence of SARSCoV-2 in their environments. Eurofins Analytical Services India Pvt Ltd offers you the solution to identify the contaminated surfaces at every stage of hygiene requirement to protect the health and safety of employees and their environment.​

What surfaces is the suitable for testing?

A variety of environmental surfaces can be tested, using Eurofins swabs, including:

• Shared contact areas: Door handles, trolleys, counters, light switches, keyboards
• Medical areas: Respiratory masks, protective clothing, hospital bays, equipment and furniture 
• Food preparation areas and equipment
• Assembly lines: Machinery and equipment, storage areas and packaging materials
• Work premises: canteens, lockers, communal and toilet areas. 
• Communal areas for hospitality or service: Restaurants, care homes/residential, leisure centre changing rooms, lockers, showers & taps
• Eurofins coronavirus environmental monitoring solution:
• Eurofins now provides testing for coronavirus on workplace surfaces in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The analysis enables organizations in diverse industries to test and monitor for coronavirus, with the key benefits of strengthening sanitation programs and getting your business back to work, faster.

Easy-to-use, toolkit based approach:

Eurofins equips you with all the supplies and expert guidance you need to execute a coronavirus environmental monitoring program (EMP). Our complete toolkit is a validated solution to quickly and simply test for the presence of coronavirus on surfaces and objects by means of environmental swabs. Upon connecting with your Eurofins representative, you’ll receive a collection kit with step-by-step instructions for sampling to shipping as well as the validated tools required for collection. Your collection kit will include:

• Appropriate swabs
• Alcohol wipes
• Disposable gloves
• Sampling Instructions and guide
• Insulated shipping container
• Gel packs
• Return shipping label

Technical background

The SAR-CoV-2 tests are recommended to be more accurate and reliable by RT-PCR based kits. We use kits manufactured by Eurofins Technology in Germany. It enables screening for the E-gene, which encodes for the envelope surrounding the viral shell. The confirmation assay is RT-PCR based to specifically detect the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP-gene) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This approach follows the recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the German Health Authority. This assay effortlessly integrates into the VIRSeek Solution, which offers RNA extraction and an ISO 15216-compliant process control virus to monitor the efficiency of the analysis process.

BENEFITS 

✔ Assessment of the extent and persistence of surface contamination by SARS-CoV-2

✔ Verification of the correct application of cleaning procedures

✔ Support the records of effective sanitization program

✔ Lower the risk of virus outbreak in workplace through surface contamination

You want to ensure the health status of your employees - our human tests

Connect with our specialized coronavirus response team today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of testing? 

In the current coronavirus outbreak, companies and health authorities are seeking solutions to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in their environments in order to be able to implement immediate sanitation and other measures to protect the health and safety of employees and their environment. The test provides a unique opportunity to assess the need for cleaning and to document whether the cleaning has been performed adequately. The test is also relevant for suppliers to document that no infection has been left after delivery, repair and maintenance of machines and equipment. It will enable organizations in diverse industries to help test, determine, monitor and strengthen the effectiveness of sanitation measures put in place.

How should the samples be collected? 

Refer to the sampling instructions provided with the kits for detailed instructions on how to take a sample. In brief, a 25 cm² surface area that is being sampled must be swabbed and sent to the lab for testing. When receiving an order for a test kit, the laboratory sends a cooler box containing sampling equipment, ice packs and instructions on how to take the samples along with a shipment label to return the samples back to the lab. Care must be taken to return the samples to the laboratory immediately after sampling.

How many swab samples should be taken for surface clearance? 

Swab sampling on surfaces only provide a spot check of the surface sampled. The test design, including the number of swabs to be sampled, is best determined by a hygienist or consultant. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that to increase the positive predictive value of the environmental sampling process, each sampling area may require multiple swabs.

Do you need assistance developing a coronavirus monitoring program or implementing a remediation plan?

We can work with you to identify the surfaces and objects to be sampled, how to sample and calculate the total number of swabs that should be taken. Eurofins team’s of consulting experts are available to assist with the creation, implementation and management of your coronavirus EMP.

What turnaround time (TAT) do you offer for the testing?

Standard TAT for Coronavirus (CoV) Screen and for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) testing is 2 days after receipt of samples at lab. Next Day TAT is also available for an added price. Same day TAT with additional rush fees will be available in due course of time.

Do I need to purchase the sampling kit from Eurofins Analytical Services India or can I use my own supplies for submitting samples?

Eurofins Analytical Services India provides sampling kits with the necessary sampling supplies, sampling instructions and shipping labels for mailing the samples back to the lab. Eurofins provided kits must be used for Coronavirus sampling in order to properly collect, package and ship the samples back to the lab to help ensure the samples don’t expose the delivery personnel or the sample receiving staff to any unforeseen risk. Samples received that did not use the Eurofins provided kits will be rejected during sample receipt.

Where the samples should be sent after sampling? 

Samples must be shipped back using the return shipping label provided in the kit to the following address:

Eurofins Analytical Services India

#540/1, Doddanekundi Industrial Area 2,

Graphite India Road, Hoodi, Whitefield,

Bengaluru- 560048, India

+91 80 67223200, +91 80 67223526

enquiryeasi@xoin.eurofinsasia.com

Please note that any samples dropped off at other facilities will not be accepted.