Extensive research has shown that individuals begin shedding SARS-CoV-2 the virus in stools immediately after getting infected. The genetic material of the virus finds its way into the vast wastewater collection network, where, through modern sampling and analysis techniques, it can be detected and quantified, up to a week in advance of individual testing positive in clinics. By analyzing virus concentrations in specific facilities such as nursing home and college dorms, or selected neighborhoods or entire communities, public health administrators are able to take advantage of this early warning characteristic and use it to better control the spread and prevent further damage. This proven wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach depends on the deployment of properly designed sewage surveillance systems in the areas of interest. In this webinar Teledyne ISCO’s Business Development Manager, Kaushal Trivedi, and Aquasight’s CEO, Mahesh Lunani, describe how to rapidly develop and deploy a community-based underground sewage surveillance program for detection of COVID-19 outbreaks, including best practices for wastewater sampling, lab analysis, and the immediate delivery of actionable information to local public health officials and administrators.
