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Preventing spread of aerosolized infectious particles during medical procedures: A lab-based analysis of an inexpensive plastic enclosure.
Monroe, Luke W; Johnson, Jack S; Gutstein, Howard B; Lawrence, John P; Lejeune, Keith; Sullivan, Ryan C; Jen, Coty N.
  • Monroe LW; Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
  • Johnson JS; Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
  • Gutstein HB; Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
  • Lawrence JP; Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
  • Lejeune K; Anesthesiology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
  • Sullivan RC; Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
  • Jen CN; Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
PLoS One ; 17(9): e0273194, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2039397
ABSTRACT
Severe viral respiratory diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2, are transmitted through aerosol particles produced by coughing, talking, and breathing. Medical procedures including tracheal intubation, extubation, dental work, and any procedure involving close contact with a patient's airways can increase exposure to infectious aerosol particles. This presents a significant risk for viral exposure of nearby healthcare workers during and following patient care. Previous studies have examined the effectiveness of plastic enclosures for trapping aerosol particles and protecting health-care workers. However, many of these enclosures are expensive or are burdensome for healthcare workers to work with. In this study, a low-cost plastic enclosure was designed to reduce aerosol spread and viral transmission during medical procedures, while also alleviating issues found in the design and use of other medical enclosures to contain aerosols. This enclosure is fabricated from clear polycarbonate for maximum visibility. A large single-side cutout provides health care providers with ease of access to the patient with a separate cutout for equipment access. A survey of medical providers in a local hospital network demonstrated their approval of the enclosure's ease of use and design. The enclosure with appropriate plastic covers reduced total escaped particle number concentrations (diameter > 0.01 µm) by over 93% at 8 cm away from all openings. Concentration decay experiments indicated that the enclosure without active suction should be left on the patient for 15-20 minutes following a tracheal manipulation to allow sufficient time for >90% of aerosol particles to settle upon interior surfaces. This decreases to 5 minutes when 30 LPM suction is applied. This enclosure is an inexpensive, easily implemented additional layer of protection that can be used to help contain infectious or otherwise potentially hazardous aerosol particles while providing access into the enclosure.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Journal.pone.0273194

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Journal.pone.0273194