Nasal endoscopy, room filtration, and aerosol concentrations during live outpatient encounters: a prospective, case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted safety concerns surrounding possible aerosol-generating procedures, but comparative data on the smallest particles capable of transmitting this virus remain limited. We evaluated the effect of nasal endoscopy on aerosol concentration and the role of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in reducing aerosol concentration.

Methods

Otolaryngology patients were prospectively enrolled in an outpatient, cross-sectional study. Demographic information and clinic room characteristics were recorded. A scanning mobility particle sizer and GRIMM aerosol monitor measured aerosols 14.3 nm to 34 μm in diameter (i.e., particles smaller than those currently examined in the literature) during (1) nasal endos

SUBMITTER: Gill AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8427097 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature