Is the COVID-19 virus in surgical smoke?
Answer: At this time with a lack of research studies, AORN does not know if the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted through surgical smoke. Research studies have demonstrated the presence of viruses (eg, human papilloma virus) in surgical smoke with transmission to health care providers. According to limited data from the CDC, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in blood specimens, but it is unknown whether the virus is viable or infectious in extrapulmonary specimens. For similar coronaviruses, viable and infectious SARS-CoV was isolated from blood specimens, although infectious MERS-CoV was only isolated from the respiratory tract.
AORN recommends the evacuation of all surgical smoke as it contains hazardous chemicals, ultra-fine particle, viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells. During higher-risk, aerosol generating procedures or procedures with known or suspected aerosol transmissible diseases (eg, tuberculosis), the perioperative team should wear a fit-tested surgical N95 filtering face piece respirator in addition to using a smoke evacuator. Wearing respiratory protection (ie, fit-tested surgical N95 filtering face piece respirator) is secondary protection against residual surgical smoke.
Consult with your infection preventionist on measures (eg, smoke evacuation, fit-tested surgical N95) to take when performing surgery on a patient with known or suspected COVID-19.