scholarly journals Homegrown Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation for Hospital-Based N95 Decontamination during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Schnell ◽  
Melanie J. Harriff ◽  
Jane E. Yates ◽  
Elham Karamooz ◽  
Christopher D. Pfeiffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Global Supply Chains ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Exposure Risk ◽  
High Demand ◽  
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Ultraviolet C

AbstractCoronavirus disease (COVID-19), the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, is responsible for the 2020 global pandemic and characterized by high transmissibility and morbidity. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of contracting COVID-19, and this risk is mitigated through the use of personal protective equipment such as N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs). The high demand for FFRs is not currently met by global supply chains, potentially placing HCWs at increased exposure risk. Effective FFR decontamination modalities exist, which could maintain respiratory protection for HCWs in the midst of the current pandemic, through the decontamination and re-use of FFRs. Here, we present a locally-implemented ultraviolet-C germicidal irradiation (UVGI)-based FFR decontamination pathway, utilizing a home-built UVGI array assembled entirely with previously existing components available at our institution. We provide recommendations on the construction of similar systems, as well as guidance and strategies towards successful institutional implementation of FFR decontamination.

scholarly journals Construction and validation of an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system using locally available components

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0255123
Author(s):  
Eric Schnell ◽  
Elham Karamooz ◽  
Melanie J. Harriff ◽  
Jane E. Yates ◽  
Christopher D. Pfeiffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Exposure Risk ◽  
High Demand ◽  
Industrial Facilities ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The Face ◽  
Ultraviolet C ◽  
Local Construction ◽  
Uv C

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, is responsible for a global pandemic characterized by high transmissibility and morbidity. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of contracting COVID-19, but this risk has been mitigated through the use of personal protective equipment such as N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs). At times the high demand for FFRs has exceeded supply, placing HCWs at increased exposure risk. Effective FFR decontamination of many FFR models using ultraviolet-C germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been well-described, and could maintain respiratory protection for HCWs in the face of supply line shortages. Here, we detail the construction of an ultraviolet-C germicidal irradiation (UVGI) device using previously existing components available at our institution. We provide data on UV-C dosage delivered with our version of this device, provide information on how users can validate the UV-C dose delivered in similarly constructed systems, and describe a simple, novel methodology to test its germicidal effectiveness using in-house reagents and equipment. As similar components are readily available in many hospitals and industrial facilities, we provide recommendations on the local construction of these systems, as well as guidance and strategies towards successful institutional implementation of FFR decontamination.

scholarly journals KI and WU Polyomavirus in Respiratory Samples of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1259
Author(s):  
Carla Prezioso ◽  
Ugo Moens ◽  
Giuseppe Oliveto ◽  
Gabriele Brazzini ◽  
Francesca Piacentini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Cycle Threshold ◽  
Viral Interference ◽  
Disease Outcomes ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Wu Polyomavirus ◽  
Washington University

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared a global pandemic. Our goal was to determine whether co-infections with respiratory polyomaviruses, such as Karolinska Institutet polyomavirus (KIPyV) and Washington University polyomavirus (WUPyV) occur in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Oropharyngeal swabs from 150 individuals, 112 symptomatic COVID-19 patients and 38 healthcare workers not infected by SARS-CoV-2, were collected from March 2020 through May 2020 and tested for KIPyV and WUPyV DNA presence. Of the 112 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 27 (24.1%) were co-infected with KIPyV, 5 (4.5%) were positive for WUPyV, and 3 (2.7%) were infected simultaneously by KIPyV and WUPyV. Neither KIPyV nor WUPyV DNA was detected in samples of healthcare workers. Significant correlations were found in patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and KIPyV (p < 0.05) and between SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold values and KIPyV, WUPyV and KIPyV and WUPyV concurrently detected (p < 0.05). These results suggest that KIPyV and WUPyV may behave as opportunistic respiratory pathogens. Additional investigations are needed to understand the epidemiology and the prevalence of respiratory polyomavirus in COVID-19 patients and whether KIPyV and WUPyV could potentially drive viral interference or influence disease outcomes by upregulating SARS-CoV-2 replicative potential.

scholarly journals Covid-19 and the N95 respirator shortage: Closing the gap

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 958-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Nogee ◽  
Anthony J. Tomassoni
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Closing The Gap

AbstractDue to extreme shortages of personal protective equipment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers will be forced to recycle protective masks intended for disposal after a single use. We propose investigating the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to sterilize masks of SARS-CoV-2 for safer reuse.

scholarly journals A Personal Respirator to Improve Protection for Healthcare Workers Treating COVID-19 (PeRSo)

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul T. Elkington ◽  
Alexander S. Dickinson ◽  
Mark N. Mavrogordato ◽  
Daniel C. Spencer ◽  
Richard J. Gillams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Low Resource Settings ◽  
Supply Logistics ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Manufacturing Complexity ◽  
Validation Testing

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection is a global pandemic. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers has been a recurrent challenge in terms of global stocks, supply logistics and suitability. In some settings, around 20% of healthcare workers treating COVID-19 cases have become infected, which leads to staff absence at peaks of the pandemic, and in some cases mortality.Methods: To address shortcomings in PPE, we developed a simple powered air purifying respirator, made from inexpensive and widely available components. The prototype was designed to minimize manufacturing complexity so that derivative versions could be developed in low resource settings with minor modification.Results: The “Personal Respirator – Southampton” (PeRSo) delivers High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered air from a battery powered fan-filter assembly into a lightweight hood with a clear visor that can be comfortably worn for several hours. Validation testing demonstrates that the prototype removes microbes, avoids excessive CO2 build-up in normal use, and passes fit test protocols widely used to evaluate standard N95/FFP2 and N99/FFP3 face masks. Feedback from doctors and nurses indicate the PeRSo prototype was preferred to standard FFP2 and FFP3 masks, being more comfortable and reducing the time and risk of recurrently changing PPE. Patients report better communication and reassurance as the entire face is visible.Conclusion: Rapid upscale of production of cheaply produced powered air purifying respirators, designed to achieve regulatory approval in the country of production, could protect healthcare workers from infection and improve healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Commercial Household Ultraviolet C Germicidal Devices in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pasita Palakornkitti ◽  
Prinpat Pinyowiwat ◽  
Somsak Tanrattanakorn ◽  
Natta Rajatanavin ◽  
Ploysyne Rattanakaemakorn
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Global Awareness ◽  
Surface Disinfection ◽  
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation ◽  
Commercial Market ◽  
Ultraviolet C

Abstract Ultraviolet C (UVC), also called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), is known for its effective air, water, and surface disinfectant properties. With the rise of global awareness about public sanitation and personal hygiene due to the emergence of the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, several applications of UVC were developed and introduced to the commercial market. The present experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial household ultraviolet C germicidal devices for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) inactivation. UVC dosages (mJ/cm2) of 10 UVC devices were determined at the recommended settings and compared to a UVC dosage benchmark for SARS-CoV-2 inactivated UVC dosage (3.7 mJ/cm2). Of the 10 devices, 3 were handheld UVGI surface disinfection equipment, 4 were UVGI disinfection chambers, and 3 were movable UVGI air and surface purifiers. Three UVGI disinfection chambers and all movable UVGI air and surface purifiers provided sufficient UVC dosages for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. None of the studied handheld UVGI surface disinfection equipment achieved the UVC dosage for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. A lack of standardization in the distance and cycle duration for each UVC application was observed. Standard usage guidelines for UVC devices are required to improve the effectiveness of UVC irradiance for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation as well as to minimize the potential side effects of UVC.

scholarly journals Should neurosurgeons continue to work in the absence of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 era?

2021 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 593-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marleen Eijkholt ◽  
Alexander Hulsbergen ◽  
Ivo Muskens ◽  
Tiit Illimar Mathiesen ◽  
Ciaran Bolger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Moral Decision ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
High Demand ◽  
Limited Availability ◽  
Challenging Issue ◽  
Limited Efficacy ◽  
Professional Responsibilities

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a widespread shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Many healthcare workers, including neurosurgeons, have expressed concern about how to safely and adequately perform their medical responsibilities in these challenging circumstances. One of these concerns revolves around the pressing question: should providers continue to work in the absence of adequate PPE? Although the first peak of the COVID-19 crisis seems to have subsided and supply of PPE has increased, concerns about insufficient PPE availability remain. Inconsistent supply, limited efficacy, and continued high demand for PPE, combined with the continued threat of a second COVID-19 wave, mean that the issues surrounding PPE availability remain unresolved, including a duty to work. This paper offers an ethical investigation of whether neurosurgeons should perform their professional responsibilities with limited availability of PPE. We evaluate ethical considerations and conflicting duties and thereby hope to facilitate providers in making a well-considered personal and moral decision about this challenging issue.

scholarly journals Evaluation of serum antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 in healthcare workers who participated in the operation of charter flights for the evacuation of Japanese residents from Hubei Province

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Suzuki ◽  
Kayoko Hayakawa ◽  
Akira Ainai ◽  
Naoko Iwata-Yoshikawa ◽  
Kaori Sano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Serum Antibody ◽  
Hubei Province ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Prevention Guidelines ◽  
Japanese Residents ◽  
Selection Of

There are several recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, the selection of appropriate PPE for the current situation remains controversial. We measured serum antibody titers for SARS-CoV-2 in 10 participants who were engaged in the operation of charter flights for the evacuation of Japanese residents from Hubei Province. All participants wore PPE in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. A total of 17 samples were tested, and all were seronegative. Hence, we conclude that the current PPE recommendation is effective to protect healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals The Rise of Telemedicine: Lessons from a Global Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 64-69
Author(s):  
Samantha Seivert ◽  
Melissa E. Badowski
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
General Level ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Outpatient Services ◽  
Medical Settings ◽  
Global Pandemic

Telemedicine has been available for healthcare systems to assist patient care for many years; however, it was not until recently that the field of telemedicine exploded. Inconsistent coverage of telemedicine services as well as a general level of unfamiliarity with the technology required to perform telemedicine services contributed to the lack of its widespread use. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic drove the institution of telemedicine in all areas of healthcare. Healthcare institutions around the world adapted both inpatient and outpatient services in order to utilise telemedicine. The implementation of telemedicine can partly be attributed to the expansion of insurance coverage as well as the relaxation of technology requirements to avoid Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations. During the global pandemic, telemedicine helped to preserve personal protective equipment during a worldwide shortage, protect healthcare workers from being infected, and allowed the monitoring of patients’ chronic conditions without putting them at risk by attending medical settings. The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the advantages that telemedicine has to offer and has served as the push many health systems needed to implement telemedicine services more widely across these institutions. This article highlights the role of telemedicine during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

scholarly journals Assessment of N95 respirator decontamination and re-use for SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Fischer ◽  
Dylan H. Morris ◽  
Neeltje van Doremalen ◽  
Shanda Sarchette ◽  
M. Jeremiah Matson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Single Use ◽  
N95 Respirators

The unprecedented pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has created worldwide shortages of personal protective equipment, in particular respiratory protection such as N95 respirators. SARS-CoV-2 transmission is frequently occurring in hospital settings, with numerous reported cases of nosocomial transmission highlighting the vulnerability of healthcare workers. In general, N95 respirators are designed for single use prior to disposal. Here, we have analyzed four readily available and often used decontamination methods: UV, 70% ethanol, 70C heat and vaporized hydrogen peroxide for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on N95 respirators. Equally important we assessed the function of the N95 respirators after multiple wear and decontamination sessions.

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