Intraoperative aerosol box use: does an educational visual aid reduce contamination?

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Infection Control
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Aerosol boxes were developed to reduce viral exposure during aerosolizing procedures in the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Improper use and cleaning of aerosol boxes may increase viral exposure risks for patients and healthcare providers.
• This study evaluated intraoperative contamination and decontamination of aerosol boxes, including the impact of a visual aid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a preoperative educational visual aid in reducing intraoperative contamination and improving aerosol box cleaning.
• To evaluate the extent of contamination and decontamination of aerosol boxes in a simulated setting.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded randomized study involving 44 anesthesiology trainees and faculty using a simulated anesthetic case.
• Aerosol boxes were contaminated with a fluorescent marker; half of participants received a visual aid.
• Contamination and decontamination were assessed using ultraviolet light at standardized locations.

Main Results:

• The experimental group using the visual aid showed a significant reduction in median total contamination scores (5.0 vs. 10.0).
• Complete cleaning of the aerosol box was achieved by 36.4% of the experimental group, compared to 4.5% in the control group (P = 0.009).

Conclusions:

• A preoperative visual aid significantly decreased intraoperative contamination and improved aerosol box cleaning efficacy.
• Despite improvements, a clinically significant risk of viral exposure may persist.
• Consider using a visual aid when employing aerosol boxes to enhance proper usage and cleaning protocols.