AERATOR [COVID-19] [UPH]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
AERosolisation And Transmission Of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Settings (AERATOR)
IRAS ID
288784
Contact name
Nick Maskell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN21447815
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aerosol generation occurs when tiny droplets of liquid are suspended in the air. Aerosols can be generated during many medical procedures. Some procedures might produce more aerosols than others, and droplets of different sizes, but there is a lot of uncertainty about this at the moment. What is known is that aerosols can carry viruses, like coronavirus, which risks further infections if inhaled by healthcare staff or other patients. Due to this potential risk, many operations have been delayed or are being performed with extra equipment, greatly reducing the ability of the NHS to resume important services. The AERATOR study aims to rapidly study the amount and type of aerosol generated when medical procedures are performed, and how infectious this aerosol is. This will be performed using specialist equipment in operating theatres and wards to measure real-life aerosol generation. By using specialist equipment, only available at Bristol University, we can also investigate how long coronavirus survives in clinical environments. This vital information will show how best to organise operating theatres, medical procedures, out-patient clinics, wards and use of protective equipment, in order to protect patients and staff while maximising the ability of the NHS to resume life-saving work.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0393
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion