Evaluation of standardized sample collection, packaging, and decontamination procedures to assess cross-contamination potential duringBacillus anthracisincident response operations

Abstract

Sample collection procedures and primary receptacle (sample container and bag) decontamination methods should prevent contaminant transfer between contaminated and non-contaminated surfaces and areas during bio-incident operations. Cross-contamination of personnel, equipment, or sample containers may result in the exfiltration of biological agent from the exclusion (hot) zone and have unintended negative consequences on response resources, activities and outcomes. The current study was designed to: (1) evaluate currently recommended sample collection and packaging procedures to identify procedural steps that may increase the likelihood of spore exfiltration or contaminant transfer; (2) evaluate the efficacy of currently recommended primary receptacle decontamination procedures; and (3) evaluate the efficacy of outer packaging decontamination methods. Wet- and dry-deposited fluorescent tracer powder was used in contaminant transfer tests to qualitatively evaluate the currently-recommended sample collection procedures. Bacillus atrophaeus spores, a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, were used to evaluate the efficacy of spray- and wipe-based decontamination procedures. Both decontamination procedures were quantitatively evaluated on three types of sample packaging materials (corrugated fiberboard, polystyrene foam, and polyethylene plastic), and two contamination mechanisms (wet or dry inoculums). Contaminant transfer results suggested that size-appropriate gloves should be worn by personnel, templates should not be taped to or removed from surfaces, and primary receptacles should be selected carefully. The decontamination tests indicated that wipe-based decontamination procedures may be more effective than spray-based procedures; efficacy was not influenced by material type but was affected by the inoculation method. Incomplete surface decontamination was observed in all tests with dry inoculums. This study provides a foundation for optimizing current B. anthracis response procedures to minimize contaminant exfiltration.

The Evaluation of Physiological Index Changes and Safety Work of Female Medical Staff With Different Medical Protection Standards in the Ward of COVID-19

“…However, when medical staff conduct their work with the necessary PPE, these PPE directly affect the physiology of medical staff, since it generates significant metabolic fatigue ( 8 , 9 ). More importantly, this metabolic fatigue can not only impact operational capacity ( 10 ), but also increase the risk of accidents with PPE, increase cross-contamination, and contribute to physiological stress ( 9 ). N95 masks, as an important PPE, have good filtration efficiency for small particles, but also hinder airflow.…”

Factors Affecting the Decontamination Process in Hospitals in Saudi Arabia

“…Finally, the fifth type is mass decontamination of a large number of victims from a chemical disaster, where water is used prior to removing their clothes. 1 , 5 , 10 , 11 …”

“…Finally, the fifth type is mass decontamination of a large number of victims from a chemical disaster, where water is used prior to removing their clothes. 1,5,10,11 The literature on decontamination for healthcare providers indicates that ensuring the availability of guidelines in addition to education and training regarding improving decontamination practice are recommended. 12,13 Moreover, the literature available in Saudi Arabia suggests that health care providers already possess adequate knowledge regarding decontamination in terms of identifying suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).…”

Metabolic fatigue in resuscitators using personal protection equipment against biological hazard

“…When selecting protective equipment for biological and chemical preparation, a balance must be struck between the degree of protection necessary for the potential hazard in question and the resulting difficulty in carrying out user functions. ( 6 ) Performing their work in situations of biological hazard with the necessary level of protection directly affects the physiology of health workers, since it generates significant metabolic fatigue. This metabolic fatigue can increase the risk of accidents with PPE, increase cross-contamination, and lead to hasty termination of the procedures due to physiological stress, among others.…”