key: cord-0848705-zcjnfcfs
authors: Malik, J. S.; Jenner, C.; Ward, P. A.
title: Maximising application of the aerosol box in protecting healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
date: 2020-05-16
journal: Anaesthesia
DOI: 10.1111/anae.15109
sha: 39632f49fe6ede2058c1e3e055fc91f260eb7269
doc_id: 848705
cord_uid: zcjnfcfs

We report the rapid evolution of the Aerosol Box, originally designed by Dr Hsien Yung Lai, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Taiwan [1]. The Aerosol Box was intended to protect healthcare workers performing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs), specifically tracheal intubation, by providing a physical barrier to droplet and/or aerosol exposure [2]. An increased infection rate has been reported in healthcare workers internationally, particularly when the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been inadequate or when the supply of PPE has been depleted [3]. The Aerosol Box can be made of transparent acrylic or polycarbonate sheeting, and is re-usable after careful decontamination with an appropriate cleansing agent. The original model was based on a simple cuboid design, with two access ports for arms.

We report the rapid evolution of the aerosol box, originally designed by Dr Hsien Yung Lai, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Taiwan [1] . The aerosol box was intended to protect healthcare workers performing aerosol generating procedures, specifically tracheal intubation, by providing a physical barrier to droplet and/or aerosol exposure [2] . An increased infection rate has been reported in healthcare workers internationally, particularly when the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been inadequate or when the supply of PPE has been depleted [3] . The aerosol box can be made of transparent acrylic or polycarbonate sheeting, and is re-usable after careful decontamination with an appropriate cleansing agent. The original model was based on a simple cuboid design, with two access ports for arms.

We have made significant modifications to the design 

Barrier enclosure during endotracheal intubation

Association of public health interventions with the epidemiology of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan

Intubation boxes for managing the airway in patients with COVID-19

Airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 to healthcare workers: a narrative review

Personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic -a narrative review

The authors thank Advent Plastics Limited, Wellingborough, Northants, UK for their invaluable contributions in support of this project and for funding the prototype designs. The authors have no ownership or financial interests in the aerosol box or any other models.