Aerosol generation occurs when tiny droplets of liquid are suspended in the air. Aerosols can be generated during many medical procedures. Some medical procedures might produce more aerosols than others, and particles of different sizes, although there remains considerable uncertainty about the risks of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) leading to airborne disease transmisison. 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 personal protective equipment, greatly reducing the ability of the NHS and healthcare services to resume important services.

The AERATOR study (AERosolisation And Transmission Of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Settings) aims to rapidly study the amount and type of aerosol generated when medical procedures are performed, and how infectious this aerosol is. The AERATOR study will address a critical gap in evidence by quantifying the concentration, size and temporal and spatial dynamics of aerosols produced during routine medical & surgical procedures in different environments. This will focus on five clinical specialties particularly impacted by procedural aerosolisation: dental, orthopaedic, respiratory, critical care and ophthalmology. These measurements 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.

The aim of AERATOR and accompanying studies is to provide vital information that can inform 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.