Bronchoscopy safety precautions for diagnosing COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis-A simulation study.
Mycoses
; 64(1): 55-59, 2021 Jan.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-751634
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), clinicians have used personal protective equipment to avoid transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. However, they still face occupational risk of infection, when treating COVID-19 patients. This may be highest during invasive diagnostic procedures releasing aerosols and droplets. Thereby, the use of diagnostic procedures for Covid-19 associated aspergillosis may be delayed or impeded, as use of bronchoscopy has been discouraged. This leads to avoidance of a crucial procedure for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. We intent to visualise aerosol and droplet spread and surface contamination during bronchoscopy and address which measures can avoid exposure of health-care workers.METHODS:
We created a simulation model to visualise aerosol and droplet generation as well as surface contamination by nebulising fluorescent solution detected by using ultraviolet light- and slow-motion capture. We repurposed covers for ultrasound transducers or endoscopic cameras to prevent surface and ambient air contamination.RESULTS:
In our bronchoscopy simulation model, we noticed extensive aerosol generation, droplet spread and surface contamination. Exposure of health-care workers and contamination of surfaces can be efficiently reduced by repurposing covers for ultrasound transducers or endoscopic cameras to seal the tube opening during bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated patients.CONCLUSION:
Adequate personal protective equipment and safety strategies allow to minimise contamination during bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Bronchoscopy
/
Infection Control
/
Pulmonary Aspergillosis
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Mycoses
Journal subject:
Microbiology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Myc.13183
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