Protecting long-term care facilities from viral outbreaks using wastewater monitoring
Wastewater data integration and modelling to accurately predict viral outbreaks in long-term care facilities
This project uses wastewater samples from long-term care facilities to give early warnings about potential COVID-19 outbreaks, helping to keep residents safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Aquora Research and Consulting LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Holland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139598 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our team is developing a system that checks the wastewater from places like nursing homes and assisted living facilities for signs of viruses like COVID-19. By regularly testing these samples, we aim to spot potential outbreaks up to a week before they become widespread. This early detection allows facilities to take quick action, like increasing hygiene or isolating sick individuals, to protect their vulnerable residents. The goal is to create a flexible warning system that can be used for various diseases to prevent future health crises in these communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Residents and staff in U.S. long-term care facilities, including skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, would indirectly benefit from this protective monitoring system.
Not a fit: Individuals not residing or working in long-term care facilities would not directly benefit from this specific facility-level monitoring approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this system could provide an early warning for viral outbreaks in long-term care facilities, helping to protect vulnerable residents from illness.
How similar studies have performed: A previous Phase I project successfully demonstrated that predictive models using wastewater data could anticipate COVID-19 outbreaks by up to seven days.
Where this research is happening
Holland, United States
- Aquora Research and Consulting LLC — Holland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Best, Aaron Addison — Aquora Research and Consulting LLC
- Study coordinator: Best, Aaron Addison
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 below.