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Air contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in the operating room
1Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan. hirotak@hirosaki-u.ac.jp.
Journal of Anesthesia
|June 21, 2020
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can spread via aerosols generated during medical procedures. Understanding aerosol generation and distribution is crucial for preventing virus transmission in operating rooms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious disease transmission
- Aerosol science
- Healthcare epidemiology
Background:
- Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2.
- Manipulation of ACE2-expressing tissues can generate SARS-CoV-2 aerosols.
- Clinical procedures like intubation can produce significant aerosols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for SARS-CoV-2 aerosol generation and distribution in the operating room.
- To estimate operating room contamination based on intensive care unit data.
- To inform strategies for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on SARS-CoV-2 distribution in intensive care units.
- Analysis of aerosol generation during specific clinical procedures.
- Estimation of potential airborne and surface contamination in operating rooms.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 has been detected on surfaces and in the air near COVID-19 patients in ICUs.
- High SARS-CoV-2 concentrations found in PPE removal rooms and staff offices.
- Both submicron (from PPE) and supermicron (from floor) aerosols can transport the virus.
Conclusions:
- Aerosol generation and distribution in the operating room pose a potential transmission risk.
- Understanding these dynamics is essential for implementing effective infection control measures.
- Further research is needed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 aerosolization in surgical environments.
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