Respiratory droplet generation and dispersal during nasoendoscopy and upper respiratory swab testing. Issue 10 (4th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Vanessa Y. J.; Zhang, Edward Z. Y.; Daniel, Dan; Sadovoy, Anton; Teo, Neville W. Y.; Kiong, Kimberley L.; Toh, S. T.; Yuen, Heng‐Wai
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 42:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 2779
• Page End: 2781
• Publication Date: 2020-07-04
• Subjects: aerosol -- COVID‐19 -- precautions -- prevention -- transmission; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Respiratory particle generation and dispersal during nasoendoscopy and swab testing is studied with high‐speed video and laser light illumination. Video analysis reveals droplet formation in three manoeuvres during nasoendoscopy ‐ sneezing, vocalization, and nasal decongestion spray. A capillary bridge of mucus can be seen when a nasoendoscope exits wet nares. No droplet formation is seen during oral and nasopharyngeal swab testing. We outline the following recommendations: pull the face mask down partially and keep the mouth covered, only allowing nasal access during nasoendoscopy; avoid nasal sprays if possible; if nasal sprays are used, procedurists should be in full personal protective equipment prior to using the spray; withdrawal of swabs and scopes should be performed in a slow and controlled fashion to reduce potential dispersion of droplets when the capillary bridge of mucus breaks up.