Clarification around isolation and PPE
March 12, 2020
We have agreed to follow national guidance:
Note: Taking throat and nose swabs are not classed as aerosol generating procedures.
| Patient type | Change in guidance |
| For symptomatic, unconfirmed in-patients meeting the Covid-19 case definition | PPE revised to include a change from FFP3 respirator to fluid resistant surgical mask, gloves, apron and eye protection if risk of splashing into the eyes |
| For confirmed cases of Covid-19 | Full PPE ensemble continues to use FFP3 respirator, disposable eye protection, preferably visor, long sleeved disposable gown and gloves. |
| For possible and confirmed cases of Covid-19 requiring an aerosol generating procedure | Full PPE ensemble as per previous guidance for confirmed cases: FFP3 respirator, disposable eye protection, preferably visor, long sleeved disposable gown and gloves. |
This will also be applicable to community swabbing – for symptomatic, unconfirmed cases – surgical mask with routine contact precaution plastic aprons, gloves and strict hand hygiene.
The agreed list of aerosol generating procedure (AGP) is:
- Intubation, extubation and related procedures such as manual ventilation and open suctioning
- Tracheotomy/tracheostomy procedures (insertion/open suctioning/removal)
- Bronchoscopy
- Surgery and post-mortem procedures involving high-speed devices
- Some dental procedures (such as high-speed drilling)
- Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) such as Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ventilation (CPAP)
- High-Frequency Oscillating Ventilation (HFOV)
- High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO), also called High Flow Nasal Cannula
- Induction of sputum