Uso de elementos de protección personal en la atención del parto vaginal en tiempos de COVID-19 / Use of Personal Protective Equipment When Providing Vaginal Delivery Care in Times of COVID-19 / Uso de elementos de proteção individual na assistência ao parto vaginal em tempos de COVID-19

Introducción. En diciembre de 2019 en Wuhan, China, se presentó un brote de neumonía atípica generado por el virus SARS-CoV-2, el cual es un tipo de coronavirus causante de la enfermedad COVID-19, que se convirtió con el tiempo en una pandemia. En este contexto, el uso de los elementos de protección personal tomó un especial interés, en especial para la atención del trabajo de parto vaginal, dada la confusión en los círculos obstétricos respecto a la mejor forma de proteger al personal sanitario en dichos casos. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es identificar cuáles son los elementos de protección personal indicados en la atención del parto vaginal y su correcto uso en tiempos de COVID-19. División de temas tratados. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura accediendo a las bases de datos: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Académico y sitios web como la Organización Mundial de la salud (OMS), Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos (ACOG), entre otros. Se usaron palabras claves como "Infecciones por Coronavirus", "Parto Normal", "Protección Personal", "Personal de Salud", "Dispositivos de Protección Respiratoria" y "Dispositivos de Protección de los Ojos". La literatura permitió identificar aspectos introductorios al tema, epidemiología, características generales de los elementos de protección personal, y los elementos específicos para el uso correcto en la atención del parto vaginal. Conclusiones. El trabajo de parto es considerado como un procedimiento generador de aerosoles, por lo que se recomienda principalmente el uso de tapabocas N95 o un respirador que ofrezca mayor protección para personal de salud en la atención del parto vaginal, con el fin de evitar la infección por SARS-CoV-2; sin embargo, se debe insistir en el uso adecuado y completo de los elementos de protección personal como lo son la bata quirúrgica, el gorro, el protector ocular y guantes, independientemente de la sintomatología de la paciente.

Introduction. In December 2019, in Wuhan, China, there was an outbreak of atypical pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a type of coronavirus causative of COVID-19, which overtime became a pandemic. In this context, the use of personal protective equipment is of special interest, especially when providing care in vaginal delivery, due to the confusion in obstetric circles regarding the best way to protect healthcare personnel in these cases. The objective of this review article is to identify which are the personal protective elements indicated for providing care in vaginal birth and their correct use during COVID-19. Division of Covered Topics. A narrative review of the literature was carried out, accessing the following databases: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and websites such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for the Control and Prevention of Diseases (CDC), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, among others. Keywords such as "Coronavirus Infections", "Normal Birth," Personal Protective Elements," "Healthcare Personnel", "Respiratory Protective Devices", and "Eye Protection Devices" were used. The literature allowed us to identify introductory aspects on the matter, epidemiology, general characteristics of personal protective elements, and the specific elements for correct use when providing care in vaginal birth. Conclusions. Labor is considered an aerosol-generating procedure. Therefore, the main recommendation is the use of an N95 mask or a respirator which allows for greater protection for healthcare personnel when assisting vaginal birth, in order to avoid infection due to SARS-CoV-2. However, there must be an adequate and complete use of personal protective equipment, such as surgical gowns, hats, eye protection and gloves, regardless of the patient's symptomatology

Introdução. Em dezembro de 2019 em Wuhan, na China, houve um surto de pneumonia atípica gerada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, que é um tipo de coronavírus que causa a doença COVID-19, que, com o tempo, acabou se tornando uma pandemia. Nesse contexto, o uso de elementos de proteção individual tornou-se de particular interesse, especialmente para a assistência do parto vaginal, dada a confusão nos círculos obstétricos quanto à melhor forma de proteger os profissionais da saúde nesses casos. O objetivo deste artigo de revisão é identificar os elementos de proteção individual indicados na assistência do parto vaginal e seu uso correto em tempos de COVID-19. Divisão de tópicos abordados. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa da literatura acessando as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Scholar e sites como a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), Centros de Controle e Prevenção de Doenças (CDC, na sigla em inglês) e o Colégio Americano de Obstetras e Ginecologistas (ACOG), entre outros. Foram utilizadas palavras-chave como "Infecções por Coronavírus", "Parto Normal", "Proteção Pessoal", "Pessoal de Saúde", "Dispositivos de Proteção Respiratória" e "Dispositivos de Proteção Ocular". A literatura permitiu identificar aspectos introdutórios ao tema, epidemiologia, características gerais dos elementos de proteção individual e elementos específicos para o uso correto na assistência do parto vaginal. Conclusões. O trabalho de parto é considerado um procedimento gerador de aerossóis, portanto, recomenda-se principalmente o uso de máscaras N95 ou um respirador que ofereça maior proteção para os profissionais de saúde na assistência do parto vaginal, a fim de evitar a infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2; no entanto, deve-se insistir no uso adequado e completo de elementos de proteção individual, como bata cirúrgica, touca, protetor ocular e luvas, independentemente dos sintomas do paciente.

The use of antimicrobial-impregnated fabrics in health services: an integrative review / Utilização de têxteis impregnados com antimicrobianos nos serviços de saúde: revisão integrativa / Utilización de textiles impregnados con antimicrobianos en los servicios sanitarios: revisión integradora

Objective: to analyze evidence concerning the feasibility of antimicrobial-impregnated fabrics in preventing and controlling microbial transmission in health services. Method: an integrative review using the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), regardless of language and date of publication. Seven studies were included in the analysis to verify the types of fabrics and substances used to impregnate the fabrics, applicability in health services, and decrease in microbial load. Results: silver nanoparticles and copper oxide are the main antimicrobial substances used to impregnate the fabrics. The patients' use of these fabrics, such as in bed and bath linens and clothing, was more effective in reducing antimicrobial load than in health workers' uniforms. Conclusion: the use of these antimicrobial-impregnated textiles, especially by patients, is a viable alternative to prevent and control microbial transmission in health services. Implementing these fabrics in health workers' uniforms requires further studies, however, to verify its effectiveness in decreasing microbial load in clinical practice.

Objetivo: analisar as evidências existentes sobre a viabilidade de utilizar têxteis impregnados com substâncias antimicrobianas na prevenção e no controle da transmissão microbiana em serviços de saúde. Método: revisão integrativa, utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus e Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), sem restrição de idioma e período de publicação. Após a busca na literatura científica, foram selecionados sete estudos para análise quanto ao tipo de têxtil e substância utilizada para a impregnação, a aplicabilidade no serviço de saúde e a redução da carga microbiana. Resultados: nanopartículas de prata e óxido de cobre foram as principais substâncias antimicrobianas utilizadas para a impregnação de têxteis. A utilização desses têxteis pelos pacientes, como roupas de hotelaria e vestuário, mostrou maior eficácia na redução da carga microbiana em comparação ao uso como uniforme por profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: a utilização de têxteis impregnados com substâncias antimicrobianas, sobretudo pelos pacientes, pode ser considerada uma alternativa viável na prevenção e no controle da transmissão microbiana nos serviços de saúde. Todavia, a implementação destes têxteis, como uniforme para profissionais de saúde, ainda necessita de maiores investigações quanto à redução da carga microbiana na prática clínica.

Objetivo: analizar las evidencias existentes sobre la viabilidad de utilizar textiles impregnados con sustancias antimicrobianas en la prevención y control de la transmisión microbiana en servicios sanitarios. Método: revisión integradora, utilizando las bases de dados MEDLINE (vía PubMed), Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus y Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), sin restricción de idioma y período de publicación. Después de la búsqueda en la literatura científica, fueron seleccionados siete estudios para análisis en cuanto al tipo de textil y sustancia utilizada para impregnación, aplicabilidad en el servicio sanitario y reducción de la carga microbiana. Resultados: nanopartículas de plata y óxido de cobre fueron las principales sustancias antimicrobianas utilizadas para la impregnación de textiles. La utilización de esos textiles por los pacientes, como ropa de hotel y ropa, demostró mayor eficacia en la reducción de la carga microbiana en comparación al uso como uniforme por profesionales sanitarios. Conclusión: la utilización de textiles impregnados con sustancias antimicrobianas, sobre todo por los pacientes, puede ser considerada una alternativa viable en la prevención y control de la transmisión microbiana en los servicios sanitarios. Sin embargo, la implementación de estos textiles como uniforme para profesionales de la salud todavía necesita de mayores investigaciones en cuanto a la reducción de la carga microbiana en la práctica clínica.

The review of inspection methods of X-ray lead protective clothing / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

The quality evaluation of X-ray protective clothing at home and abroad is mainly intended for the quality inspection of lead protective clothing. There is no unified standard to be developed for the test of lead protective clothing during use. When lead protective clothing with defective quality is used many times, this phenomenon will pose a greater safety hazard to radiation workers and patients. Therefore, in order to protect the health of radiation workers and patients, the implementation of regular testing and quality evaluation of lead protective clothing and the development of a standardized management system are important. This review introduces the domestic and international inspection method of X-ray lead protective clothing, summarizes the inspection and evaluation method in use, including shield transmission coefficient, defect detection and uniformity test, puts forward relevant suggestions to provide reference for the managers and practitioners of relevant institutions.

Jalecos em têxteis de poliéster agem como barreira contra fluidos e bactérias? / ¿Batas médicas de telas de poliéster actúan como barrera contra fluidos y bacterias? / Do white coats on polyester fabrics act as a barrier against fluids and bacteria?

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar tecidos de poliéster quanto à função de barreira física contra fluidos e bactérias. Métodos Trata-se de uma pesquisa experimental laboratorial in vitro realizada em três etapas: avaliação do tempo de passagem de fluido através dos tecidos, cronometrado desde o início do escoamento do fluido até a formação e queda da última gota; determinação microbiológica da carga bacteriana presente no fluido, após a sua passagem através dos tecidos; e análise das características estruturais dos tecidos por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes de normalidade e ao teste de U de Mann-Whitney, com nível de significância de a=5%. Resultados as comparações dos tempos obtidos na primeira etapa entre os dois tipos de tecidos utilizados demonstraram diferença estatística ( p <0,001). Com relação à avaliação microbiológica, não foi observada diferença entre as cargas bacterianas após a passagem do fluido através dos tecidos, tanto para Staphylococcus aureus ( p =0,056) quanto para Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( p= 0,320). A análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura evidenciou diferenças estruturais entre os tecidos, no entanto não foi constatada a presença bacteriana na superfície dos tecidos. Conclusão Ambos os tecidos de poliéster empregados para confecção de jalecos não apresentaram função de barreira física contra fluidos e bactérias. Assim, os resultados nos permitem especular que o jaleco de poliéster ao entrar em contato com fluidos corporais pode possibilitar a contaminação do profissional.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar telas de poliéster con relación a la función de barrera física contra fluidos y bacterias. Métodos Se trata de un estudio experimental de laboratorio in vitro realizado en tres etapas: evaluación del tiempo de pasaje del fluido a través de las telas, cronometrado desde el inicio del derrame del fluido hasta la formación y caída de la última gota; determinación microbiológica de la carga bacteriana presente en el fluido después del pasaje a través de las telas; y análisis de las características estructurales de las telas mediante microscopio electrónico de barrido. Con los datos obtenidos se realizaron las pruebas de normalidad y la prueba U de Mann-Whitney, con nivel de significación de a=5%. Resultados La comparación de los tiempos obtenidos en la primera etapa entre los dos tipos de telas utilizados demostró diferencia estadística ( p <0,001). Respecto a la evaluación microbiológica, no se observó diferencia entre las cargas bacterianas después del pasaje del fluido a través de las telas, tanto de Staphylococcus aureus ( p =0,056) como de Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( p= 0,320). El análisis mediante microscopio electrónico de barrido constató diferencias estructurales entre las telas; sin embargo, no se observó la presencia bacteriana en la superficie de las telas. Conclusión Las dos telas de poliéster empleadas para la confección de batas médicas no presentan función de barrera física contra fluidos y bacterias. De esta forma, los resultados nos permiten suponer que la bata médica de poliéster, al entrar en contacto con fluidos corporales, puede posibilitar la contaminación del profesional.

Abstract Objective To evaluate polyester fabrics as physical barrier function against fluids and bacteria. Methods This is an in vitro experimental laboratory research carried out in three stages: evaluation of the length of time for the fluid to pass through the fabrics, timed from the beginning of the fluid flow until the formation and fall of the last drop; microbiological determination of the bacterial load in the fluid, after its passage through the fabrics; and analysis of the structural characteristics of the fabrics by scanning in electron microscopy. The data were submitted to normality tests and the Mann-Whitney U test, with a significance level of a=5%. Results Comparisons of length of time in the first stage between the two types of fabrics used showed a statistical difference ( p <0.001). Regarding the microbiological evaluation, there was no difference among bacterial loads after the fluid passed through the fabrics, both for Staphylococcus aureus ( p =0.056) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( p =0.320). The analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed structural differences between the fabrics, however, there were no bacteria on the fabric surface. Conclusion Both polyester fabrics used to make white coats did not work as a physical barrier against fluids and bacteria. Thus, the results allowed us to speculate that the polyester coat when in contact with body fluids may allow contamination of the professional.

A brief history of medical uniforms: from ancient history to the COVID-19 time / Uma breve história de uniformes médicos: da história antiga aos tempos da COVID-19

ABSTRACT Medical Uniforms date back from medieval times. Nursing uniforms were based on nuns clothes whereas doctors used the famous "plague costumes" and black "frock" coats from about 15th to early 19th century. In latter half 19th century medical uniforms started to change. Nursing uniforms gradually lost their similarities to religious outfits. Doctors started to use white clothing. With great emphasis on hygiene and sanitation, the idea of personal protective equipment (PPE) started to evolve with William Stewart Halsted introducing the use of rubber gloves in 1889. In the 1960s-1970s it became more usual to wear green and blue `scrubs in order to look for a greater contrast in clothing with the all-white hospital environment. In contemporary times, some specialties even stopped using specific uniforms, while others still use them. At the same time, PPE became more and more important, up to nowadays "plague costume" in the combat of the COVID-19 epidemics.

RESUMO Uniformes da área médica datam desde os tempos medievais. Uniformes de enfermeiras eram baseados em roupas de freiras, enquanto o de médicos eram caracterizados pelas "vestimentas da praga" e fraques pretos de meados do século 15 até o início do século 19. No final do século 19, os uniformes começaram a mudar. A vestimenta de enfermeiras perderam suas similaridades com vestes religiosas. Médicos começaram a usar roupas brancas. Com o aumento da ênfase em higiene e no sanitarismo, começa a evoluir a ideia do uso de equipamento de proteção individual (EPI), com William Stewart Halsted utilizando luvas de borracha pela primeira vez em 1889. Nas décadas de 1960 e 1970 começa a se tornar mais usual a adesão ao pijama cirúrgico verdes e azul como roupa hospitalar, devido ao contraste com o ambiente branco já presente. Na contemporaneidade, algumas especialidades deixaram de usar uniformes específicos, enquanto outras ainda a usam. Ao mesmo tempo, EPIs tornaram-se mais e mais importantes, até, hoje em dia, surgir as "vestimentas da praga" atualizadas para o combate da epidemia do COVID-19.

Frequency of Burns by Body Parts of Firefighters and Hospitalization Rate according to the Type of Protective Clothing

PURPOSE: Fire suits are very important protective equipment for firefighters. In fire scene, radiant heat and warmed water invade into conventional protective clothing gap. The safety of firefighters has long been a hot topic in Korea. Nevertheless, there are still lack of researches and investigations for safety of firefighters. We revealed the characteristics of the burn site and the hospitalization of injured firefighters according to the wearing of the conventional and special protective clothing. METHODS: This study analyzed the data obtained from the online survey (ko.surveymonkey.com) from September 19, 2016 to October 21, 2016 for nationwide firefighters who are cooperating with the National Security Agency. 4,891 firefighters responded to the questionnaire and 424 burn victims were reported. The analysis was conducted with 322 except 102 incomplete responders. The obtained data was analyzed with Chi-square test (P<0.05). RESULTS: The most common site of burn injury during firefighting was hand 166 (51.6%) followed by face 79 (24.5%), neck 55 (17.1%) and wrist 49 (15.2%). The number of people wearing conventional protective clothing was 81 (25.2%) and the number of people wearing special protective clothing was 20 (6.2%). The number of people wearing protective gloves was 247 (76.7%). In terms of protective clothing in injured firefighters, special protective clothing showed lower hospitalization rate comparing with conventional protective clothing (24.7% vs. 5.0%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The most common site of burn injury in Firefighters is hand. The special protective clothing showed lower hospitalization rate comparing with conventional protective clothing.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated with Gait Changes among Firefighters after a Live Burn Training Evolution

BACKGROUND: Recommendations have been proposed for minimum aerobic fitness among firefighters but it is unclear if those criteria relate to performance on the fireground. Less fit individuals fatigue more quickly than fit individuals when working at comparable intensity and may have gait changes, increasing risk of falls. We evaluated the effect of fatigue during a live burn evolution on gait parameters and functional balance comparing them to aerobic fitness levels. METHODS: A total of 24 firefighters had gait and balance tested before and after a live burn evolution. Data were stratified by aerobic fitness of greater/less than 14 metabolic equivalents (METs). RESULTS: Analysis of gait cycles measurements before and after the live burn evolution revealed that single leg stance, cycle, and swing time decreased (p < 0.05) but there were no differences in the other measures. There were no differences in time to complete the functional balance test, or errors committed before or after a live burn evolution. When firefighters were sorted by fitness level of 14 METs, there were no differences for errors or time before or after the live burn evolution. Balance data were analyzed using a linear regression. Individuals with lower fitness levels required more time to complete the test. CONCLUSION: A 14-MET criterion failed to distinguish gait or balance characteristics in this group. However, less fit firefighters did require more time to complete the balance test (p = 0.003). Aerobic fitness alone does not predict gait changes among firefighters following a live burn evolution but does appear to influence functional balance.

Comparison of disinfection effect of two disinfection methods on X-ray protective clothing / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To compare the effect of GammaTM wet wipes and 75% alcohol on the disinfection of X-ray protective clothing,and provide reference for choosing rational disinfection methods.Methods 62 pieces of X-ray protective clothing were selected,30 were from operating rooms,32 from catheterization room.Protective clothing were randomly divided into trial group and control group,each had 31 pieces.Trial group disinfected clothing with GammaTM wet wipes,control group disinfected clothing with 75% alcohol,disinfection effect,drying time,and cost between both groups were compared.Results Average bacterial colony counts in trial group and control group before disinfection were 2.38 CFU/cm2 and 2.36 CFU/cm2 respectively,qualified rates were 80.64% and 83.87%respectively.Bacteria were not detected in both groups after disinfection.The average drying time in trial group was shorter than control group([352.35±9.93]s vs[676.13±10.62]s,t=123.98,P <0.01).The cost of disinfecting X-ray protective clothing in trial group was 29.60% less than control group.Conclusion Effect of GammaTM wet wipes and 75% alcohol on disinfecting X-ray protective clothing are both reliable,compared with 75% alcohol, GammaTM wet wipes are without corrosion,have shorter drying time,and save more cost.

Mapeamento do processo de reprocessamento de campos cirúrgicos de tecido de algodão / Mapping the process of reprocessing cotton drapes

Mapear o processo de reprocessamento de campos de tecido de algodão, duplos e simples, integrantes dos pacotes de LAP cirúrgico. Método: Estudo de caso exploratório, descritivo, conduzido no Serviço de Rouparia (SR) e no Centro de Material e Esterilização (CME) de um hospital de ensino. Acompanhou-se a condução de todo o processo por meio de observações não participantes no SR e no CME e, posteriormente, realizou-se reuniões com profissionais representantes do SR (camareiras) e do CME (auxiliares e técnicos de enfermagem), visando o detalhamento, complementação e validação das etapas e atividades observadas. Resultados: Foram mapeadas quatro etapas: processamento das roupas por lavanderia terceirizada, recepção das roupas no SR, montagem e esterilização dos pacotes de LAP e armazenamento dos pacotes de LAP no CME. Conclusão: O mapeamento possibilitou a visualização dos recursos consumidos nas etapas e atividades constituintes do processo, fornecendo informações que contribuirão para a alocação racional dos recursos envolvidos...

Direct Cost of Reprocessing Cotton-woven Surgical Drapes: a Case Study / Costo Directo del Reprocesamiento de Campos Quirúrgicos de Tela de Algodón: un Estudio de Caso / Custo direto do reprocessamento de campos cirúrgicos de tecido de algodão: um estudo de caso

OBJECTIVE Identify the direct cost of reprocessing double and single cotton-woven drapes of the surgical LAP package. METHOD A quantitative, exploratory and descriptive case study, performed at a teaching hospital. The direct cost of reprocessing cotton-woven surgical drapes was calculated by multiplying the time spent by professionals involved in reprocessing the unit with the direct cost of labor, adding to the cost of materials. The Brazilian currency (R$) originally used for the calculations was converted to US currency at the rate of US$0.42/R$. RESULTS The average total cost for surgical LAP package was US$9.72, with the predominance being in the cost of materials (US$8.70 or 89.65%). It is noteworthy that the average total cost of materials was mostly impacted by the cost of the cotton-woven drapes (US$7.99 or 91.90%). CONCLUSION The knowledge gained will subsidize discussions about replacing reusable cotton-woven surgical drapes for disposable ones, favoring arguments regarding the advantages and disadvantages of this possibility considering human resources, materials, as well as structural, environmental and financial resources. .

OBJETIVO Identificar el costo directo del reprocesamiento de campos de tela de algodón, dobles y sencillos, integrantes del paquete de LAP quirúrgico. MÉTODO Estudio de caso cuantitativo, exploratorio-descriptivo, llevado a cabo en un hospital de enseñanza. Se calculó el costo directo multiplicándose el tiempo empleado por los profesionales involucrados en el reprocesamiento por el costo unitario de la mano de obra directa, sumándose al costo de los materiales. La moneda brasileña (R$) utilizada originalmente para los cálculos se convirtió en moneda estadounidense a la tasa de US$ 0.42/R$. RESULTADOS El costo total medio, por paquete de LAP quirúrgico, fue US$ 9.72, con predominancia del costo con materiales (US$ 8.70), el 89.65%. Se destaca que el costo total medio de los materiales recibió fuerte impacto de los costos de los campos de tela de algodón (US$ 7.99), el 91.90%. CONCLUSIÓN El conocimiento obtenido subsidiará discusiones acerca del reemplazo de campos de tela reutilizables por campos desechables, favoreciendo argumentaciones relativas a las ventajas y desventajas de dicha posibilidad al considerarse los recursos humanos, materiales, estructurales, ambientales y financieros. .

OBJETIVO Identificar o custo direto do reprocessamento de campos de tecido de algodão, duplos e simples, integrantes do pacote de LAP cirúrgico. MÉTODO Estudo de caso quantitativo, exploratório-descritivo, realizado em um hospital de ensino. Calculou-se o custo direto multiplicando-se o tempo despendido por profissionais envolvidos no reprocessamento pelo custo unitário da mão de obra direta, somando-se ao custo dos materiais. A moeda brasileira (R$) utilizada originalmente para os cálculos foi convertida para a moeda norte-americana pela taxa de US$ 0.42/R$. RESULTADOS O custo total médio, por pacote de LAP cirúrgico, foi de US$ 9.72, com predominância do custo com materiais (US$ 8.70) 89.65%. Destaca-se que o custo total médio dos materiais recebeu forte impacto dos custos dos campos de tecido de algodão (US$ 7.99) 91.90%. CONCLUSÃO O conhecimento obtido subsidiará discussões sobre a substituição de campos de tecido reutilizáveis por campos descartáveis, favorecendo argumentações relativas às vantagens e desvantagens dessa possibilidade considerando os recursos humanos, materiais, estruturais, ambientais e financeiros. .

Functional electrospinning nanofibers in protection clothing for biological and chemical warfare agents / 医疗卫生装备

The performances and characteristics of the functional electrospinning nanofibers were introduced in the field of protection against biological and chemical warfare agents, whose present situation, prospects and advantages were summarized. It's suggested that the functional nanofibers might contribute to increasing the protection ability of the textile against the biological and chemical agents. The difficulty and future trends of the functional nanofibers were analyzed also.

Paramentação cirúrgica: artigo de revisão / Surgical attire: a review article

Esta revisão objetivou a descrição da paramentação cirúrgica e suas reais necessidades. Procedimentos cirúrgicos e anestésicos tornam necessárias precauções para reduzir os riscos biológicos que ocorrem em pacientes e na equipe multiprofissional em contato com líquidos, tecidos orgânicos e agentes infecciosos em centro cirúrgico. Seu intuito é proteger pacientes e a equipe multiprofissional contra microrganismos presentes e liberados em centro cirúrgico. A paramentação cirúrgica é a troca das vestimentas rotineiras por outras adequadas, em áreas restritas ou semirrestritas do centro cirúrgico, proporcionando barreiras contra ainvasão de microrganismos. Utilizou-se a seleção de artigos publicados na MEDLINE, LILACS, PUBMED, COCHRANE LIBRARY e livros. Não existem normas de leis para o uso da paramentação cirúrgica, ficando sob a vigilância sanitária vigente em cada município e ainda às normas internas de funcionamento de cada centro cirúrgico. Constitui-se em medida eficaz na redução dos processos infecciosos pós-operatórios, mesmo com resultados contraditórios em vários estudos sobre o reconhecimento das reais fontes e formas de transmissão dos microrganismos em um centro cirúrgico.

This review focused on the description of surgical attire and its actual requisite use. Surgical and anesthetic procedures requite that precautions are taken to reduce biological risk to patients and to the multiprofessional team in contact with fluids, organic tissues and infectious agents in the surgical center. Its purpose is protecting patients and the multiprofessional team against microorganisms existing and released in the surgical center. Use of surgical attire includes the exchange of everyday clothing for more adequate pieces in restricted or semi-restricted areas in the operatingroom, thus providing barriers against the invasion of microorganisms. A selection of articles published in MEDLINE, LILACS, PUBMED, COCHRANE LIBRARY and books were used. There are no regulations in place for the use of surgical attire, and its use is controlled by each municipaltiy's health surveillance team as well as by internal rules of operation in every surgical center. It constitutes an effective measure to decrease postoperative infectious processes, even though several studies contradict with regards to the actual sources and modes of transmission of microorganisms in the operating room.

Dermal Exposure Associated with Occupational End Use of Pesticides and the Role of Protective Measures

BACKGROUND: Occupational end users of pesticides may experience bodily absorption of the pesticide products they use, risking possible health effects. The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers working in the field of agricultural health or other areas where occupational end use of pesticides and exposure issues are of interest. METHODS: This paper characterizes the health effects of pesticide exposure, jobs associated with pesticide use, pesticide-related tasks, absorption of pesticides through the skin, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for reducing exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Although international and national efforts to reduce pesticide exposure through regulatory means should continue, it is difficult in the agricultural sector to implement engineering or system controls. It is clear that use of PPE does reduce dermal pesticide exposure but compliance among the majority of occupationally exposed pesticide end users appears to be poor. More research is needed on higher-order controls to reduce pesticide exposure and to understand the reasons for poor compliance with PPE and identify effective training methods.

The Effect of Personal Protection Equipment Level C on Airway Management with Advanced Airway Devices: A Manikin Study

PURPOSE: Personal protection equipment (PPE) is compulsory for the safety of physicians and patients in the presence of biological hazards. In particular, such equipment is required for airway management of patients with highly contagious respiratory diseases. However, there are only a few studies about the effect of PPE on airway management with various advanced airway devices including the newly developed video-laryngoscope. We conducted a study on the effect of PPE level C on airway management with five different types of advanced airway devices including the laryngeal mask airway (LMA), direct laryngoscope (DL), airwayscope (AWS), video-laryngoscope made by Stortz (DCI), and the Levitanscope (LE). METHODS: Twenty-two emergency physician and residents in two emergency centers were trained to do trials with PPE and without PPE while performing airway management with five different airway devices. The procedures were done on two types of manikins. We compared the time from the start of the procedure to the first successful ventilation for each device and for each type of manikin. A short questionnaire was used to examine participants' subjective experiences. RESULTS: For both types of manikin, there were no significant differences in performance time between the group not wearing PPE and the PPE wearing group for any device. However, when compared with the other devices, the performance time for the LMA was faster than the other devices, and the Levitanscope(R) took a significantly longer time in both groups. According to the questionnaires, the most comfortable & uncomfortable airway devices were the LMA and the Levitanscope(R). CONCLUSION: When PPE level C was compared with the no protection state, there were no significant statistical time differences for performing advanced airway management with any particular airway device.

Utilização de máscara facial cirúrgica descartável no ambiente cirúrgico / Use of disposable surgical face masks at the surgical environment / Utilización de la máscara facial quirúrgica desechables en lo ambiente quirúrgico

As máscaras faciais cirúrgicas são essenciais tanto para a proteção individual dos membros da equipe da Unidade de Centro Cirúrgico (UCC), quanto para a proteção do paciente durante o procedimento. Esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar a utilização da máscara facial cirúrgica pelos acadêmicos e profissionais de saúde na UCC quanto ao tempo, local e forma de utilização. Foram observados 33 acadêmicos e profissionais de um Hospital de Clínicas, no período de janeiro a fevereiro de 2008. Para a coleta dos dados foi utilizado um instrumento específico do tipo checklist e a análise feita segundo estatística descritiva, em freqüência absoluta, relativa e média. Os principais resultados encontrados foram: 81,8% acadêmicos e profissionais utilizaram a máscara cirúrgica cobrindo boca e nariz, 72,7% acadêmicos e profissionais colocaram a máscara no início do procedimento cirúrgico, e 60,6% acadêmicos e profissionais retiraram a máscara pelas tiras. Assim, observou-se que a máscara cirúrgica foi, no geral, utilizada de maneira adequada conforme preconizado por órgãos nacionais e internacionais, fato provavelmente relacionado ao ambiente acadêmico do Hospital analisado, onde há divulgação constante de normas e padrões recomendados.

Surgical masks are essential as for the individual protection of Surgical Center team members as for the patient's protection during the procedure. The present study objective was to assess the wearing of surgical masks by surgical site students and professionals according to time, local and way of use. Thirty-three students and professionals were observed in a Clinic Hospital, from January to February 2008. For data collection, a specific instrument of checklist kind was used, and the evaluation was made based on descriptive statistics and absolute, relative and medium frequency. The main results obtained were: 81,8% of the students and professionals wear the surgical mask covering mouth and nose, 72,7% of the students and professionals wear the mask in the beginning of the procedure, and 60,6% of the students and professionals discarded the mask from the strips. So, the surgical mask was, in general, used in a correct way according to what is advocated by national and international organizations, fact probably connected to the academic environment of the analyzed hospital, where recommended guidelines and patterns divulgation is constant.

Máscaras faciales quirúrgicas son esenciales tanto para la protección individual de los miembros del equipo del Centro Quirúrgico, cuanto para la protección del paciente durante el procedimiento. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la utilización de la máscara quirúrgica por los acadêmicos y profesionales de salud en la Unidad del Sitio Quirúrgico con relación al tiempo, localidad y forma de utilización. Fueron observados 33 académicos y profesionales de Hospital de Clínicas, en el periodo de Enero a Febrero de 2008. Para la coleta de los datos, fue utilizado un instrumento especifico del tipo checklist, y su análisis hecha según estadística descriptiva, en frecuencia absoluta, relativa y media. Los principales resultados encontrados fueron: 81,8% de los acadêmicos y profesionales utilizaran la máscara quirúrgica cubriendo la boca y nariz, 72,7% de los acadêmicos y profesionales punieron la máscara en el inicio de lo procedimiento quirúrgico, y 60,6% de los acadêmicos y profesionales retiraran la máscara por las tiras. Así, fue observado que la máscara quirúrgica fue, en general, utilizada de manera adecuada conforme preconizado por órganos nacionales y internacionales, facto probablemente relacionado al ambiente académico del Hospital analizado, donde hay divulgación constante de normas y padrones recomendados.

Revisão sistemática sobre aventais cirúrgicos no controle da contaminação/infecção do sítio cirúrgico: [revisão] / Systematic review of surgical gowns in the control of contamination/surgical site infection: [revision] / Revisión sistemática sobre delantales quirúrgicos en el control de la contaminación/infección del local quirúrgico: [revisión]

O avental cirúrgico é confeccionado com materiais de tecido e não-tecido. O estudo teve como objetivo verificar se há evidências científicas, pela revisão sistemática, que fundamentem a prática do uso de aventais em cirurgias, conforme seu material de confecção. Consideraram-se estudos básicos de intervenção, que investigaram a contaminação e ou a infecção do sítio cirúrgico com uso de aventais cirúrgicos reutilizáveis e ou de uso-único, utilizando como população pessoas submetidas a cirurgias, em situações reais ou simuladas, em qualquer período, sem limitação de idioma. Para localizar os estudos, utilizou-se estratégia de busca nas bases de dados eletrônicas. Constata-se, com isso, dificuldade de isolar o objeto de intervenção de outros inúmeros fatores que podem interferir nos desfechos, em estudos desta natureza. Dois estudos (E1, E2) obtiveram forte evidência de recomendação, concluindo pela não diferença de contaminação e infecção do sítio cirúrgico entre aventais e campos de tecido e não-tecido.

Surgical scrubs are made with both fabric and non-fabric material. The study aimed to observe whether there is scientific evidence, according to the systematic review, that supports the practice of wearing scrubs in surgeries, according to the material they are made of. Basic intervention studies were considered, which investigated contamination and/or infection of the surgical site with the use of either reusable or single-use surgical scrubs, using people submitted to surgeries as the study population, either in real or simulated situations, at any period, without any language limitations. The strategy of searching electronic databases was used to find studies. With this, difficulties in isolating the object of intervention from countless other factors that can interfere in the outcomes were identified in studies of this type. Two studies (E1 and E2) showed strong evidence for the recommendation. In conclusion, there is no difference in contamination and infection of the surgical site between fabric and non-fabric scrubs.

El delantal quirúrgico confeccionado con materiales de tejido y no-tejido. El estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar se existen evidencias científicas, por medio de una revisión sistemática, que fundamenten la práctica del uso de delantales en cirugías, conforme su material de confección. Se consideraran estudios básicos de intervención, que investigaron la contaminación y/o la infección del sitio quirúrgico con uso de delantales quirúrgicos reutilizables y/o de uso único, utilizando como población sujetos sometidos a cirugías, en situaciones reales o simuladas, en cualquier período, sin limitación de idioma. Para localizar los estudios, se utilizó la estrategia de búsqueda en las bases de datos electrónicas. Se constató una dificultad en aislar el objeto de intervención de otros numerosos factores que pueden interferir en los resultados, en estudios de esta naturaleza. Dos estudios (E1, E2) obtuvieron una fuerte evidencia de recomendación, concluyendo por no diferenciar la contaminación e infección del sitio quirúrgico entre delantales e indumentaria quirúrgica de tejido y no-tejido.

Association between Location of Eschar and Clothing in Scrub Typhus

BACKGROUND: Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and tucking the pants legs into the socks is recommended to prevent scrub typhus. This study investigated associations between the location of eschar and the type of clothes and shoes to evaluate the efficacy of these protective measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and fifty nine patients in whom scrub typhus was confirmed or suspected based on the typical clinical manifestations, presence of eschar, or positive results of serologic tests at 6 Korean hospitals from October to December 2005 were included in this study. We collected the information on the location of eschar, presumed exposure date to chiggers, and the clothes and shoes which they had worn. RESULTS: Serologic tests were positive in 99 patients. Eschars were observed in 142 patients and 6 of them exhibited more than 2 eschars. Eighty-two (60.3%) of 136 patients with a single eschar had an eschar on the lower half of the body. Of the 44 patients whose exposure date could be estimated, and who had only a single eschar, 5 of the 17 patients with eschars in the lower half of their bodies, and none of the 27 patients with eschars in the upper half of their bodies went barefoot or wore open footware (P=0.006). Only 4 patients tucked the pants into their socks, and an eschar was found in the lower half in one patient, and in the upper half of the body in the other 3 patients. Of 42 patients who wore long-sleeved shirts, eschars were found in their lower bodies in 16, and on their upper bodies in 26 (P=1.00). CONCLUSION: When the feet were not protected properly with shoes, eschars were found more frequently on the lower half of the body than on the upper half. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt or tucking the pants legs into the socks was not found to be significantly correlated to the location of eschars. Further studies involving larger samples are necessary for the development of practical guidelines of protective measures to prevent scrub typhus.

Association between Location of Eschar and Clothing in Scrub Typhus

BACKGROUND: Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and tucking the pants legs into the socks is recommended to prevent scrub typhus. This study investigated associations between the location of eschar and the type of clothes and shoes to evaluate the efficacy of these protective measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and fifty nine patients in whom scrub typhus was confirmed or suspected based on the typical clinical manifestations, presence of eschar, or positive results of serologic tests at 6 Korean hospitals from October to December 2005 were included in this study. We collected the information on the location of eschar, presumed exposure date to chiggers, and the clothes and shoes which they had worn. RESULTS: Serologic tests were positive in 99 patients. Eschars were observed in 142 patients and 6 of them exhibited more than 2 eschars. Eighty-two (60.3%) of 136 patients with a single eschar had an eschar on the lower half of the body. Of the 44 patients whose exposure date could be estimated, and who had only a single eschar, 5 of the 17 patients with eschars in the lower half of their bodies, and none of the 27 patients with eschars in the upper half of their bodies went barefoot or wore open footware (P=0.006). Only 4 patients tucked the pants into their socks, and an eschar was found in the lower half in one patient, and in the upper half of the body in the other 3 patients. Of 42 patients who wore long-sleeved shirts, eschars were found in their lower bodies in 16, and on their upper bodies in 26 (P=1.00). CONCLUSION: When the feet were not protected properly with shoes, eschars were found more frequently on the lower half of the body than on the upper half. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt or tucking the pants legs into the socks was not found to be significantly correlated to the location of eschars. Further studies involving larger samples are necessary for the development of practical guidelines of protective measures to prevent scrub typhus.