SIR Flat CAP (Safety In Radiology - Flat-Packed Compact Airborne Precaution): A Low-Cost, Portable, Negative-Pressure...

Area of Science:

• Medical Engineering
• Infectious Disease Control
• Radiology and Imaging

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic necessitated enhanced infection control measures.
• Existing barrier shields are often bulky and department-specific.
• Portable ultrasound examinations require specialized protective equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a portable, negative-pressure barrier shield for ultrasound examinations.
• To assess the shield's efficacy in reducing droplet and aerosol dispersion.
• To introduce the "SIR Flat CAP" (Safety In Radiology - Flat-packed Compact Airborne Precaution) design.

Main Methods:

• Construction of the barrier shield using acrylic panels, tape, and surgical drapes.
• Utilization of hospital wall suction for negative pressure.
• Development of a supine cough generation model and reverse qualitative fit testing to simulate and assess aerosol dispersion.

Main Results:

• The cough model successfully replicated real-world droplet dispersal patterns.
• The "SIR Flat CAP" barrier shield prevented the escape of visible droplets.
• Reverse qualitative fit testing confirmed no airborne microdroplets escaped the containment area.

Conclusions:

• The developed barrier shield significantly minimizes the expulsion of visible and airborne droplets.
• The "SIR Flat CAP" provides an essential additional layer of protection for sonographers.
• This portable shield enhances safety during point-of-care ultrasound procedures.