Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of a mobile ultra-clean laminar airflow screen reduces the air-borne particle counts in the setting of a simulated procedure of an intra-vitreal injection. A mobile ultra-clean unidirectional airflow (UDF) screen was tested in a simulated procedure for intra-vitreal injections in a treatment room without mechanical ventilation. One UDF was passed over the instrument tray and the surgical area. The concentration of particles was measured in the background, over the instrument table, and next to the ocular area. The degree of protection was calculated at the instrument table and at the surgical site. Use of the UDF mobile screen reduced the mean particle concentration (particles > 0.3 microns) on the instrument table by a factor of at least 100.000 (p < 0.05), and over the patient’s eye by at least a factor of 436 (p < 0.05), which in clinical practice translates into significantly reduced air contamination. Mobile UDF screen reduces the mean particle concentration substantially. The mobile UDF screen may therefore allow for a safer procedural environment for ambulatory care procedures such as intra-vitreal injections in treatment rooms.
Highlights
Intra-vitreal injections are commonly performed ambulatory treatments
The British Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines mandate that the procedure needs to be done in an operating room, or a dedicated treatment room [1]
A significant degree of protection could be demonstrated for the simulated procedure both at the operating table and at the instrument table
Summary
Intra-vitreal injections are commonly performed ambulatory treatments. [1,2,3] the risk is repetitive and cumulative due to the need for repeated injections in this patient population. It has been suggested that when performing injections, aseptic techniques need to be adhered to in addition to povidone iodine rinsing and antibiotic eye drops [1]. International guidelines include variable instructions for the surroundings in which intra-vitreal injections need to be done. The British Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines mandate that the procedure needs to be done in an operating room, or a dedicated treatment room [1]. The policy statement of the American Academy of Ophthalmology does not set guidelines for the immediate environment in which the intra-vitreal injection should take place [2]. The importance of air-borne particles in causing infection has been proven in orthopedic implant surgery, where the infection rates have been significantly reduced using measures to decrease air-borne particle concentration [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
