SARS-CoV-2 aerosol generation during respiratory equipment reprocessing

Author(s)

Moraes Bruna, Camila Quartim de ^{[1, 2]} ; Ciofi-Silva, Caroline Lopes ^[2] ; de Paula, Anderson Vicente ^[3] ; Boas, Lucy Santos Villas ^[3] ; Ferreira, Noely Evangelista ^[3] ; Tozetto-Mendoza, Tania R. ^[3] ; Correa, Maria Cassia Mendes ^[3] ; Graziano, Kazuko Uchikawa ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Escola Enfermagem, Av Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar 419, BR-05403000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] PETIRAS Res Grp, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Lab Invest Med Virol LIM52, Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, Av Dr Eneas Carvalho Aguiar 470, BR-05403000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL; v. 10, n. 1 MAY 27 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Aerosolization may occur during reprocessing of medical devices. With the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is important to understand the necessity of using respirators in the cleaning area of the sterile processing department. To evaluate the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the air of the sterile processing department during the reprocessing of contaminated medical devices. Air and surface samples were collected from the sterile processing department of two teaching tertiary hospitals during the reprocessing of respiratory equipment used in patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 and from intensive care units during treatment of these patients. SARS-CoV-2 was detected only in 1 air sample before the beginning of decontamination process. Viable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA was not detected in any sample collected from around symptomatic patients or in sterile processing department samples. The cleaning of respiratory equipment does not cause aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2. We believe that the use of medical masks is sufficient while reprocessing medical devices during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/06912-8 - Evaluation of respiratory inflammatory response in professionals working in the center sterile services department with and without negative pressure
• Grantee: Kazuko Uchikawa Graziano
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants