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REALM Project Test 4 results are now available. As part of the REALM Project’s research, Battelle has conducted four natural attenuation studies to provide information on how long the virus may survive on materials common to archives, libraries, and museums. For this round of testing, materials were stacked to replicate items stored together in a return bin or on shelves. The materials in Test 4 included the following items:
- Hardback book cover
- Softcover book cover
- Plastic protective cover
- DVD case
- Expanded polyethylene foam
Results show that after six days of quarantine the SARS-CoV-2 virus was still detected on all five materials tested. When compared to Test 1, which resulted in nondetectable virus after three days on an unstacked hardcover book, softcover book, plastic protective cover, and DVD case, the results of Test 4 highlight the effect of stacking and its ability to prolong the survivability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Learn more on WebJunction, download the Test 4 report, and see answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the REALM Project.