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Aerosol boxes decrease aerosol exposure only in depressurized rooms during aerosol-generating procedures in a
Wataru Sakai1, Gen Hasegawa2, Tomohiro Chaki2
1Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, East 17, South 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8556, Japan. sakaiwataru1128@gmail.com.
Journal of Anesthesia
|September 4, 2021
Summary
An aerosol box significantly reduced particle exposure during aerosol-generating procedures in a depressurized room. This protective effect was observed for physicians, medical staff, and the environment, enhancing safety during intubation and extubation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Engineering
- Infectious Disease Control
- Occupational Safety
Background:
- Aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) pose a significant risk of pathogen transmission.
- Understanding aerosol dispersion during AGPs is crucial for developing effective infection control strategies.
- The use of aerosol containment devices, such as aerosol boxes, is being explored to mitigate exposure risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare aerosol exposure levels with and without an aerosol box during simulated AGPs.
- To evaluate the impact of room pressurization (pressurized vs. depressurized) on aerosol dispersion.
- To assess the effectiveness of an aerosol box in reducing particle exposure for healthcare providers and the environment.
Main Methods:
- An experimental model using cake flour as an aerosol simulant was employed.
- Aerosol dispersion was measured using a mannequin during simulated tracheal intubation and extubation.
- Particle counts (0.3-10 µm) were assessed at physician, medical staff, and environmental locations.
- Experiments were conducted in both pressurized and depressurized rooms (≤2.5 Pa) with and without an aerosol box.
Main Results:
- Particle counts at all three locations were significantly lower in a depressurized room with an aerosol box compared to a pressurized room without one during intubation and extubation.
- Significant differences in particle size were observed across groups during intubation and extubation at physician and medical staff positions.
- Visual assessments corroborated the quantitative findings, supporting the reduced aerosol dispersion with the aerosol box in a depressurized environment.
Conclusions:
- An aerosol box effectively decreases aerosol exposure for healthcare personnel and the environment during AGPs.
- The protective benefit of an aerosol box is primarily evident in a depressurized room setting.
- Implementing aerosol boxes in conjunction with depressurized environments can enhance safety during high-risk procedures.
