Diagnostic performance of face masks for collection and detection of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Generally, face mask have been used to protect the wearer from the outside harmful air environment and prevent any virus from being released to neighbors from potentially infected exhaled breath. The antiviral effectiveness of masks has not only been researched scientifically, but has also become a global issue due to society's obligation to wear masks. In this paper, we report the results of a study on the collection and detection of viruses contained in exhaled breath using face masks. The inner electrostatic filter was carefully selected for virus collection because it does not come in direct contact with either human skin or the external environment. In the study of a healthy control group, it was confirmed that a large amount of DNA and biomolecules such as exosomes were collected from the mask exposed to exhalation, and the amount of collection increased in proportion to the wearing time. For SARS-CoV-2 patients confirmed through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test using nasopharyngeal swabs, these mask tests with PCR and rolling circle amplification indicated the same positive results. The results suggest that this is a non-invasive, quick and easy method of collecting samples from subjects using a mask, which can significantly reduce the hassle of waiting at airports or public places and concerns about cross-contamination. Furthermore, we expect miniaturized technologies to integrate PCR detection into masks in the near future.