Aerosol and droplet generation in upper and lower GI endoscopy: Whole procedure and event-based analysis
Phillips, Frank Warburton, Samantha Parra-Blanco, Adolfo
Phillips, Frank
Warburton, Samantha
Parra-Blanco, Adolfo
Abstract
Background and Aims: Aerosol-generating procedures have become an important healthcare issue during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus can be transmitted through aerosols. We aimed to characterize aerosol and droplet generation in GI endoscopy, where there is little evidence. Method(s): This prospective observational study included 36 patients undergoing routine peroral gastroscopy (POG), 11 undergoing transnasal endoscopy (TNE), and 48 undergoing lower GI (LGI) endoscopy. Particle counters took measurements near the appropriate orifice (2 models were used with diameter ranges of .3-25 mum and 20-3000 mum). Quantitative analysis was performed by recording specific events and subtracting background particles. Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Result(s): POG produced 1.96 times the level of background particles (P Conclusion(s): GI endoscopy performed through the mouth, nose, or rectum generates significant quantities of aerosols and droplets. Because the infectivity of procedures is not established, we therefore suggest adequate personal protective equipment is used for all GI endoscopy where there is a high population prevalence of COVID-19. Avoiding throat and nasal spray would significantly reduce particles generated from upper GI procedures.Copyright © 2022 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Date
2022
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Article
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Gastrointestinal endoscopy, COVID-19 pandemic, Controlled study
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Phillips, F., Crowley, J., Warburton, S., Gordon, G.S.D. and Parra-Blanco, A. (2022) 'Aerosol and droplet generation in upper and lower GI endoscopy: Whole procedure and event-based analysis', Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 96(4), pp. 603-611.e0. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2022.05.018 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2022.05.018.
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Available to view at the publisher's website here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2022.05.018.