Is SARS-CoV-2 present in synovial joint fluid? [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Is SARS-CoV-2 present in synovial joint fluid?
IRAS ID
284296
Contact name
Diane Back
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 0 months, 29 days
Research summary
As NHS organisations plan the return of elective orthopaedic surgery, protocols regarding the protection of medical and nursing staff are being formulated. \nAs GSTFT begins to plan the return to elective orthopaedic surgery, we are keen to investigate potential sources of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2. The bulk of orthopaedic work involves exposure to synovial joint fluid either through minimal incisions (eg arthroscopic work) or large open procedures (eg arthroplasty). Electrical power tools generate airborne particles, including synovial fluid.\n\nWe would like to analyse synovial joint fluid for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Since late April 2020 GSTFT has been in a position to start doing hospital post-mortem examinations (autopsies) on COVID positive patients.\nThese samples will be collected by our consultant histopathologists in cases of deceased Covid positive patients who are already undergoing hospital consented post mortems. Samples shall be attempted from the knee and shoulder joints of each patient (a maximum of 4 samples). This will be done using an aseptic technique with a needle and syringe; no incisions or scars will be performed on the patients.\nThe samples will then be analysed in our hospital laboratory for the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0293
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion