Safety devices to prevent airborne infection from clinical suction apparatus

Infection related to clinical suction apparatus has been widely recognized. Safety systems available at present include devices to prevent overflow from collecting vessels and in-line air filters. The relative efficiency of these devices for the containment of aerosols generated within the collecting vessel has been evaluated. Although of increased resistance, filter capsules of 0.3-micron pore size prevented the passage of test aerosols for longer periods than the widely used 8-micron fibre filter tubes. Filter life can be prolonged by preventing overflow from collecting vessels and protecting against the passage of foam and froth.