Investigating how environmental factors affect the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings
Official title: Linking SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Viability and Environmental Factors in Healthcare Settings
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10909008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long the COVID-19 virus can stay in the air in hospitals and clinics, so we can figure out which medical activities might spread the virus the most and help keep both healthcare workers and patients safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $728,176 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168335-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing procedures in healthcare settings where aerosol generation may occur.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving care in healthcare settings or those not at risk of COVID-19 exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, survives in the air within healthcare environments. By developing a method to measure the size and viability of virus particles in aerosols, the study aims to identify which healthcare activities pose the highest risk of virus transmission. The research will involve collecting aerosol samples during various healthcare procedures to analyze the concentration and size distribution of the virus. This information could help improve safety protocols for healthcare workers and patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced safety measures in healthcare settings, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding aerosol transmission of respiratory viruses, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Kerry — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Kerry
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
Understanding flu and COVID-19 vaccine responses in people and in the lab
Researchers at Stanford explore how flu and COVID-19 vaccines work in people and in lab tests to improve protection for adults.
-
Oral small molecule inhibitors to block SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication
A Stanford-led project tests a pill that could stop SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses from copying their RNA inside infected cells.
-
Outpatient antiviral cocktails to fight SARS-CoV-2 and future RNA viruses
Researchers at Stanford are developing outpatient antiviral cocktails that could be used easily outside the hospital to treat COVID-19 and future RNA virus infections.
-
Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Proteases to Block Viral Replication
A patient-facing program aims to discover and optimize small molecules that block key SARS-CoV-2 enzymes, potentially reducing viral replication.
-
How different COVID-19 vaccines shape immune responses
This project compares immune reactions after mRNA and adenoviral COVID-19 vaccines to learn how long protection lasts and why some people get breakthrough infections or side effects.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.