Comparison of virus aerosol concentrations across a face shield worn on a healthcare personnel during a simulated patient cough

Source avec lien : Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, En ligne. 10.1017/ice.2023.130

Les patients diagnostiqués avec le coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) aérosolisent le coronavirus respiratoire aigu sévère 2 (SARS-CoV-2) par l’intermédiaire des efforts respiratoires, exposent et éventuellement infectent le personnel de santé (HCP). Pour prévenir la transmission du SARS-CoV-2, le personnel de santé est tenu de porter un équipement de protection individuelle (EPI) lorsqu’il s’occupe d’un patient. Au début de la pandémie COVID-19, des écrans faciaux ont été utilisés pour contrôler l’exposition du personnel de santé au SRAS-CoV-2, y compris la protection des yeux.

Background:Patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) aerosolize severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via respiratory efforts, expose, and possibly infect healthcare personnel (HCP). To prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 HCP have been required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during patient care. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, face shields were used as an approach to control HCP exposure to SARS-CoV-2, including eye protection.Methods:An MS2 bacteriophage was used as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 and was aerosolized using a coughing machine. A simulated HCP wearing a disposable plastic face shield was placed 0.41 m (16 inches) away from the coughing machine. The aerosolized virus was sampled using SKC biosamplers on the inside (near the mouth of the simulated HCP) and the outside of the face shield. The aerosolized virus collected by the SKC Biosampler was analyzed using a viability assay. Optical particle counters (OPCs) were placed next to the biosamplers to measure the particle concentration.Results:There was a statistically significant reduction (P < .0006) in viable virus concentration on the inside of the face shield compared to the outside of the face shield. The particle concentration was significantly lower on the inside of the face shield compared to the outside of the face shield for 12 of the 16 particle sizes measured (P < .05).Conclusions:Reductions in virus and particle concentrations were observed on the inside of the face shield; however, viable virus was measured on the inside of the face shield, in the breathing zone of the HCP. Therefore, other exposure control methods need to be used to prevent transmission from virus aerosol. Consultez la page de l’article

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