Measuring aerosols in the operating theatre and beyond using a real-time sensor network

Area of Science:

• Environmental monitoring
• Infectious disease control
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Measuring and tracking aerosols near COVID-19 patients is crucial.
• Current methods lack real-time data on aerosol size, dispersion, and dilution from medical procedures and patient actions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To deploy low-cost photoelectric sensors for real-time aerosol measurement in operating theatres.
• To evaluate air handling, aerosol dispersion, and persistence under real-world conditions.
• To develop a model for predicting aerosol persistence and quantifying risk.

Main Methods:

• Low-cost photoelectric sensors were installed in five operating theatres.
• Generated aerosols were measured to analyze dilution and exfiltration patterns.
• Data were used to model aerosol persistence and air exchange rates.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in aerosol dispersion and elimination were observed between operating theatres.
• Equipment placement near air vents critically impacts airflow and aerosol dynamics.
• Operating theatres demonstrate robust air exchange, potentially negating the need for extended fallow times.
• Aerosol concentrations were minimal in areas adjacent to operating theatres.

Conclusions:

• Aerosol persistence models can predict risk in clinical and non-medical environments.
• Real-time aerosol monitoring provides valuable data for optimizing air handling systems.
• Findings suggest current air exchange in operating theatres is effective, possibly reducing the need for prolonged downtime between procedures.