Real-World Evidence on the Effectiveness of Plexiglass Barriers in Reducing Aerosol Exposure.

Autor:	Cadnum JL; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio., Jencson AL; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio., Memic S; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio., Osborne AO; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio., Torres-Teran MM; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio., Wilson BM; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio., Deshpande A; Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio., Donskey CJ; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Pathogens & immunity [Pathog Immun] 2022 Nov 04; Vol. 7 (2), pp. 66-77. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Nov 04 (Print Publication: 2022).
DOI:	10.20411/pai.v7i2.533
Abstrakt:	Reprinted with permission, Cleveland Clinic Foundation ©2022. All Rights Reserved. Background: Barriers are commonly installed in workplace situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained to reduce the risk for transmission of respiratory viruses. Although some types of barriers have been shown to reduce exposure to aerosols in laboratory-based testing, limited information is available on the efficacy of barriers in real-world settings. Methods: In an acute care hospital, we tested the effectiveness of in-use plexiglass barriers in reducing exposure of staff to aerosolized particles. A nebulizer was used to release 5% NaCl aerosol 1 meter from staff members with and without the barrier positioned between the point of aerosol release and the hospital staff. Particle counts on the staff side of the barrier were measured using a 6-channel particle counter. A condensed moisture (fog) generating device was used to visualize the airflow patterns. Results: Of 13 in-use barriers tested, 6 (46%) significantly reduced aerosol particle counts detected behind the barrier, 6 (46%) reduced particle counts to a modest, non-significant degree, and 1 (8%) significantly increased particle counts behind the barrier. Condensed moisture fog accumulated in the area where staff were seated behind the barrier that increased particle exposure, but not behind the other barriers. After repositioning the ineffective barrier, the condensed moisture fog no longer accumulated behind the barrier and aerosol exposure was reduced. Conclusion: In real-world settings, plexiglass barriers vary widely in effectiveness in reducing staff exposure to aerosols, and some barriers may increase risk for exposure if not positioned correctly. Devices that visualize airflow patterns may be useful as simple tools to assess barriers. Competing Interests: C.J.D. has received research funding from Clorox, Professional Disposables International, Pfizer, and Ecolab. All other authors report no potential conflicts. (Copyright © 2022 Pathogens and Immunity.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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