Air regulation is important to realize the safety of surgery staff
COVID-19 is an infectious disease which has resulted in an increasing attention in the air quality in hospitals. 30% of the coronavirus infections among the healthcare staff is risen because of the exposure to sick patients. These patients spread these infectuous particles by sneezing, coughing and speaking. To prevent this, a couple of measures have been included such as extra protective layers, sterile clothing and air ventilation- and regulation. Factors such as corrosive smoke, nebulized gasses, liquids, and chemicals increase the risk on the spreading of infections in operation rooms.
As a result of these risk factors, research is done on the effect of medical gas leaks on the spread of infections during operations. With certain procedures, CO2 is used as a suitable solution to enlarge and stabilize body cavities. There is however a risk that harmful particles are released when using gasses such as CO2. In the initial phase of COVID-19 it was observed that when people undergo surgery often still a virus was present in the blood. If the gas particles and the COVID-19 particles are spreading in the air, this could result in risks for the staff. It is therefore important to find a solution in order to clearly map out these risks.
Observing the air quality in operation rooms with the FLIR GF343
The FLIR GF343 is an optical imaging camera which is suited for visualizing potential CO2 leaks in operation rooms. Unlike other measuring instruments, this camera makes it possible to visualize the normally invisible CO2 plumes. The conclusion of the above mentioned research is that staff in operating rooms are significantly more exposed to leaks and hazardous particles than was previously stated.
Finally, the GF343 has a thermal resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and an image frequency of 60 Hz. With this camera you will be capable of carrying out regular monitoring and therefore critically judge the air quality in operation rooms.
