Dispersal of respiratory droplets with open vs closed oxygen delivery masks: implications for the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Nosocomial transmission of droplet-borne respiratory infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) may be influenced by the choice of oxygen face mask. A subject inhaled saline mist and exhaled through three oxygen masks to illustrate the pattern of dispersal of pulmonary gas. In two commonly used masks, exhaled gas formed a plume emanating from the side vents, while a third mask with a valved manifold, which was modified by adding a respiratory filter, retained the droplets. Maintaining respiratory isolation during the administration of oxygen may reduce the risk of the nosocomial transmission of respiratory infections such as SARS.
Somogyi
Ron
R
University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Canada.
Vesely
Alex E
AE
Azami
Takafumi
T
Preiss
David
D
Fisher
Joseph
J
Correia
Joe
J
Fowler
Robert A
RA
D000336:Aerosols; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000635:transmission*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008397:Masks; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000635:transmission*
D000336:Aerosols