About the CUBE Project
Overview
- The Coronavirus in the Urban Built Environment (CUBE) project seeks
to develop environmental sampling as a spatially-resolved method for
monitoring COVID-19 in congregate settings such as long-term care homes
(LTC), universities, public schools, and day-cares.
- We collect samples by swabbing floors; then, the swabs are tested
for COVID-19 using an RT-qPCR
assay developed by DNA Genotek
and/or a novel CRISPR-based device.
- Currently, we are focused on facilities located in Toronto, Ottawa, and Sault Ste. Marie.
Study Locations
Our research team has conducted environmental surface surveillance studies at 44 buildings to date across Toronto, Ottawa, and Sault Ste. Marie, including 10 long-term care homes, 11 schools and day-cares, 6 university buildings, and 6 public libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you swab the floors?
We swab floors to collect SARS-CoV-2 RNA (the virus's genetic material) and the genetic material of other microbial pathogens, which are then analyzed using advanced laboratory-based genetic methods. Our project aims to detect and monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and other microbial pathogens in congregate settings, particularly those with vulnerable populations such as hospitals and long-term care homes.
How often do you swab facilities?
Most facilities are swabbed once or twice weekly for a number of months.
How quick is the turn-around time from sample collection to obtaining results?
qPCR swab results can be generated as quickly as within 48 hours from sample collection.
Do you only test for SARS-CoV-2?
Our initial work focused on the detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2. Since then, we have expanded our studies to detect other microbial pathogens, including MRSA, VRE, tuberculosis, E. coli, and, more recently, H5N1.
What institutions are you affiliated with?
Our research team has members affliated with The Ottawa Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Sinai Health System, University of Ottawa, Carleton University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, McGill University, NOSM University, and the Sault Area Hospital
Who is funding this research?
CUBE’s research has received funding support from CIHR, NSERC, Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (CoVaRR-NET), Ottawa Hospital Academic Medical Organization (TOHAMO), University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Northern Ontario Academic Medicine Association (NOAMA), University of Toronto Data Sciences Institute, University of Toronto Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium (EPIC). Our industry partner, DNA Genotek, has provided the sample collection kits in-kind.