SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Continuous-Aerosol-Monitoring and Comparing-Aerosol-Transmission by Dispersion Distance and Concentration Among Oxygen Therapies

Continuous-Aerosol-Monitoring and Comparing-Aerosol-Transmission by Dispersion Distance and Concentration Among Oxygen Therapies

Back to course

Pdf Summary

This study examined how different oxygen therapies affect aerosol dispersion and concentration, using a simulated mannequin and tracer particles. The goal was to compare infection-related aerosol spread across common oxygen delivery methods, including nasal cannula (NC), non-rebreather mask (NRM), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), simple mask, and combined devices.<br /><br />A mannequin positioned at 30 degrees was connected to a ventilator and aerosol generator. Aerosol spread was measured over 10 minutes using high-sensitivity imaging and particle image velocimetry to assess dispersion distance, and aerosol photometers to measure concentration at the head, trunk, and foot areas.<br /><br />Results showed that all oxygen therapies increased aerosol spread compared with no oxygen therapy. HFNC produced the greatest dispersion, with the longest aerosol length and width. In contrast, NRM at 15 L/min had the shortest dispersion distance. Aerosol concentration was lowest in settings where flow was moderate or where a mask effect was present, such as NRM and NC combined with NRM. However, concentrations rose sharply with high-flow devices, especially HFNC and flush-rate NRM, indicating increased turbulent aerosol spread. Across nearly all settings, aerosol concentration was highest near the foot area, suggesting that caregivers near the lower body may face greater exposure risk.<br /><br />The study concludes that high-flow oxygen therapies can substantially increase aerosol contamination and may raise infection risk, particularly in enclosed spaces. The authors strongly recommend using personal protective equipment when caring for patients, especially those receiving HFNC or other high-flow oxygen treatments.

Asset Subtitle

Chih-Chieh Wu

Meta Tag

Author List Chih-Chieh Wu

Category Research

Concept Oxygen Therapy Device

Concept Aerosol Dispersion

Concept Aerosol Concentration

Concept High-Flow Oxygen Therapy

Concept Aerosol Contamination Risk

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Internal Medicine

Presenting Author Chih-Chieh Wu

Track Translating Research into Practice

Keywords

oxygen therapy

aerosol dispersion

high-flow nasal cannula

non-rebreather mask

nasal cannula

infection risk

particle image velocimetry

aerosol concentration

mannequin simulation

personal protective equipment

Oxygen Therapy Device

Aerosol Dispersion

Aerosol Concentration

High-Flow Oxygen Therapy

Aerosol Contamination Risk