Work

Implementation of FTA Elute Card for Viral RNA Storage and Cost‐Effective Wastewater Surveillance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Wastewater‐based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a significant tool for early infection detection during the COVID‐19 pandemic, enabling timely diagnosis and effective control. However, conventional methods for sample transport and storage rely on cold chain logistics, which increase costs and limit accessibility. This study presented a portable and user‐friendly strategy for room‐temperature storage of RNA in wastewater using FTA Elute cards. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analysis demonstrated a 15.4% recovery of the original RNA with cards, compared to only 0.5% recovery without cards. Stability assessments under room temperature, ‐4 °C, and ‐20 °C confirmed that RNA retained detectability for over one month, with enhanced preservation at lower temperatures. Furthermore, FTA Elute cards exhibited good recovery for SARS‐CoV‐2, influenza A, and influenza B in spiked wastewater. This work provides a promising solution for RNA preservation and transport in environmental matrices without cold chain dependency.

Source: Advanced Sensor Research

DOI: 10.1002/adsr.202500051

Authors: Qingxin Hui, Yuwei Pan, David Cullen, Zhugen Yang

Institutions: Cranfield University, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,750