The overall aim of this study is to measure how transmission of COVID-19 occurs incommunities - including the role of super spreaders and/or identifying conditions thatmay increase transmission risk, with a focus on congregant situations. In order toidentify how presence of symptoms and behavior affects the transmissibility of the virus,the investigators will measure SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled breath of asymptomatic andsymptomatic persons using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) test strips embedded in face masks(Face Mask Sampling- "FMS") - an innovative, non-invasive method for detection ofSARS-CoV-2 in exhaled air.
Not Provided
Device: Polyvinylalcohol strip [diagnostic]
The investigators will measure SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled breath of asymptomatic and
symptomatic persons using PVA test strips embedded in face masks (FMS) - an innovative,
non-invasive method for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled air. Utilizing this approach,
the study aims to utilize the test results extracted from the masks to identify risk
factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission and timing of infectious period in exposed people
(pre-symptomatic, asymptomatic, and symptomatic).
Inclusion Criteria:
- Individuals age ≥ 18 years of any gender tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a
molecular reference test (PCR test or antigen test) [INDEX PATIENTS]
- Individuals age ≥ 18 years and known to be contacts of the index patients [CONTACTS]
Exclusion Criteria:
- < age 18 years old, unable to wear a face mask due to underlying condition, not able
to consent, pregnancy. In addition, signs of severe disease present at time of
enrollment (e.g. difficulty breathing, pain when breathing, tightness of chest or
developing irregular heart beat).
Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States
University of Colorado, Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, United States
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Denver Health
Denver, Colorado, United States
Regis University
Denver, Colorado, United States
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
Thomas Jaenisch, MD, PhD
720-626-1094
thomas.jaenisch@cuanschutz.edu
May Chu, PhD
may.chu@cuanschutz.edu