Development and Assessment of an Inexpensive Smartphone-Based Respiratory Droplet Simulation Model. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hakimi, Amir A.; Hutchison, Dana M.; Park, Asher; Mesinkovska, Natasha Atanaskova; Kim, Sehwan; Chung, Phil-Sang; J-F Wong, Brian
• Is Part Of: Surgical innovation. Volume 29:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 278
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: smartphone -- respiratory droplet -- COVID-19 -- cobalt blue light -- simulation -- fluorescein; Surgery, Operative -- Periodicals; Endoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; Laparoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive -- Periodicals; Diffusion of Innovation -- Periodicals; Chirurgie opératoire -- Périodiques; Chirurgie endoscopique -- Périodiques; Chirurgie laparoscopique -- Périodiques; 617.91
• DOI: 10.1177/15533506211065845
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1553-3506

Abstract

Background. Droplet simulation often requires expensive and inaccessible equipment. Herein, we develop and assess a low-cost droplet simulation model using easily accessible materials, open-source software, and a smartphone-based cobalt blue light. Methods. The simulation model was developed using commercial-grade materials and fluorescein dye. A clear face shield was assessed ten times following a simulated cough using fluorescein dye. A conventional ultraviolet Woods lamp was compared to a smartphone-based cobalt blue light to detect fluorescein illumination. Results. The simulation platform and smartphone-based cobalt blue light cost $20.18. A Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed that the median droplet area of fluorescence under the UV Wood's lamp was not significantly different than that of the smartphone-based cobalt blue light (2.89 vs 2.94, P = .386). Conclusions. This simulation model is inexpensive and easily reproducible. The smartphone application may be a convenient alternative to standard ultraviolet lights. This model has great potential for use in financially restricted academic centers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.