Anesthesiologists and other professionals are at high risk of viral infection during aerosol-generating procedures. Knowledge of the protective quality of PPE suits and the risk of self-contamination after removal is paramount. This trial used an ultraviolet-fluorescent solution to explore differences in self-contamination after removal of gown PPE (PPE-G) and coverall PPE (PPE-C). A two-period/two-intervention (AB/BA) design was chosen; each intervention consisted of audio-guided placement of PPE, full-body spraying of fluorescent solution, audio-guided removal of PPE, and assessment of self-contamination through ultraviolet light scanning. The primary outcome was the mean within-participant difference (traces of any size) between PPE suits. Statistical significance was tested using t test for paired data.
Placement of PPE-G under direct instructions (audio recording), fluorescent solution full-body spray, removal of PPE under direct instructions (audio recording) and assessment of self-contamination through ultraviolet light scanning. Active (wet wipe cleanse of any fluorescent traces visible under ultraviolet light scanning) and passive (15 minute interval) washout period to prevent a carry over effect on the second allocated intervention.
Placement of PPE-C under direct instructions (audio recording), fluorescent solution full-body spray, removal of PPE under direct instructions (audio recording) and assessment of self-contamination through ultraviolet light scanning. Active (wet wipe cleanse of any fluorescent traces visible under ultraviolet light scanning) and passive (15 minute interval) washout period to prevent a carry over effect on the second allocated intervention.
Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aire, Buenos Aires, Argentina