Leak-Testing of an Endoscopic Aerosol Box for Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Objective: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected many healthcare professionals. Endoscopy is an aerosol-generating procedure and the endoscopy team at risk of exposure infection. We describe leak-testing aerosol box that uses a glove-covering for endoscope.Materials Methods: An endoscopic with over endoscope was made gastroscopy, EUS ERCP procedures tested leakage aerosol/airborne particles. Fine particulate matter (PM) from burnt incense sticks used as model viral aerosol. measured by comparing readings 2 PM light-scattering sensors, one placed inside other just outside glove opening in sealed container. Negative pressure conditions were also to see if this had any effect on leakage.Results: concentration levels differed different negative movement through glove. Very little seen stationary even no pressure, 2.4%, 0.17% 0.07% PM1, PM2.5 PM10, respectively. maximum 14% 8.7% 2.6% PM10 moving-endoscope condition pressure. This reduced 6.2%, 1.3%and 0.37% respectively when suction applied full strength (negative -0.05 bar). Conclusion: covering significantly passage leak most smallest particles reached PM1 without 6.2% using wall suction.