Nasal Photodisinfection COVID-19 Proof of Concept Study

The study proposes to test photodisinfetion (PDF) on levels of SARS-CoV-2 in the nose. The study will use Health Canada approved Steriwave™ Nasal Decolonization (ND) in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 . Currrently, PDF is being used at some institutions before surgery to lower the risk of postoperative infection. PDF uses a Methylene Blue (MB) nasal spray, followed by 5 minutes of red-light exposure through a small light-diffusing applicator. This will need to be placed into each nostril. Participants are swabbed for SARS-CoV-2 before and after treatment. In addition to the patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, there will also be a small group of healthcare workers who have tested positive that will be included. Though they are not undergoing treatment, they will swab their own noses multiple times over a period of 5 days. This will allow us to evaluate the effect (if any) of swabbing on SARS-CoV-2 levels in the nose. The study hypothesis is that MB-mediated PDF will show the ability to kill SARS-CoV-2 which will consequently confirm its efficacy as a first line defense against the virus.

Inclusion criteria

(patient population):

• Recent SARS-CoV-2+ diagnosis
• Present in hospital

Inclusion criteria

(healthcare workers):

• Recent SARS-CoV-2+ diagnosis
• Ability to self-administer nasal swabs

Exclusion criteria

(patient population):

• Immediate requirement for intubation (i.e. emergency airway) or inability to maintain independent oral airway

Exclusion criteria

(healthcare workers):

• None