COVID-19 Surface sampling & testing
ALS provides routine analysis services to test critical environmental surfaces for the presence and persistence of SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Test results are intended to help monitor and strengthen the effectiveness of disinfection and sanitation measures, particularly after outbreaks or positive tests in a business, care home, or public facility.
COVID-19 surface sample analysis
Where should you take a swab sample
Identify and test high-touch surfaces in common areas of your facilities, especially surfaces that may be touched by many different people.
Typical surfaces targeted for testing include:
• door handles and handrails
• light switches
• restroom areas
• time clocks
• tables and desks
• telephones
Sample & shipping instructions
FAQs
Sample tubes must be refrigerated. Once sampling is completed, sample tubes must be stored below 8ºC. Samples should be received by the laboratory within 24 hours of sampling completion. Ice packs must be solid and frozen for shipment to the laboratory to ensure samples remain in refrigerated conditions during transport.
UN3373 labeling is required for shipments of Biological Substances.
While SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces around the person such as tables, doorknobs and handrails. People can become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.