Articles: personal-protective-equipment.
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Korean J Anesthesiol · Apr 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialIntraoperative aerosol box use: does an educational visual aid reduce contamination?
The aerosol box was rapidly developed and disseminated to minimize viral exposure during aerosolizing procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet users may not understand how to use and clean the device. This could potentially lead to increased viral exposure to subsequent patients and practitioners. We evaluated intraoperative contamination and aerosol box decontamination and the impact of a preoperative educational visual aid. ⋯ The use of a visual aid significantly decreased intraoperative contamination and improved box cleaning. Despite these findings, a potentially clinically significant amount of viral exposure may exist. Thorough evaluation of the risks and benefits of the aerosol box should be completed prior to use. If an aerosol box is used, a visual aid should be considered to remind practitioners how to best use and clean the box.
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Korean J Anesthesiol · Apr 2021
Case ReportsInfection control of operating room and anesthesia for cesarean section during pandemic Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak in Daegu, the republic of Korea - 8 cases report.
The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China, with Korea being subsequently exposed. In Korea, COVID-19 screening guidelines have been established in every hospital as an attempt to prevent its spread. There has been a previous report of a successful cesarean section of a confirmed mother; however, there remain no guidelines for suspected mothers. Cesarean section is often urgently operated without sufficient infection evaluations. We would like to suggest anesthetic management guidelines for cesarean section patients suspected of COVID-19. ⋯ This case report presents guidelines for infection control during surgery and anesthesia for cesarean section of mothers with suspected COVID-19 involving operating room preparation and protection strategy.
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Expert Rev Respir Med · Apr 2021
ReviewPersonal protective equipment in the siege of respiratory viral pandemics: strides made and next steps.
Introduction: In December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 originated from China, and spread rapidly to several countries, bringing a frightening scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE). The CDC recommends N95 or higher-level particulate filtering respirators as part of the PPE while caring for patients with COVID-19, with facemasks as an alternative; and cloth face-coverings in public where social distancing of at least 6 ft. is not feasible. With new evidence about the efficacy of facemasks, knowledge gaps remain. ⋯ Solutions to ameliorate pandemic preparedness to meet surge-capacity to efficiently combat future pandemics, should they arise, are discussed. Expert opinion: PPE, when used appropriately in addition to other infection control measures, is effective protection during respiratory viral pandemics. The current evidence suggests that wearing facemasks in the community is protective, especially if used consistently and correctly with other infection control measures such as hand hygiene.