Medical equipment | N of articles | Risks | Transmission route | Patient population | Prevention |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heater-cooler unit |  > 10 due to global outbreak | Ventilators | Airborne through the airflow of the HCU into the operating room | Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery patients | Use different kind of HCU Place HCU as far away from the patient |
Hemodialysis equipment | 11 | Water purity Improper functioning → backflow | Through healthcare workers. Gloves as fomite Direct contact through backflow of the dialysis line | Dialysis patients | Water with microbial contamination of < 0.1 CFU/mL and endotoxin contamination of < 0.03 IU/mLExtra filter |
Neonatal incubators | 7 | Humidity regulation | Aerosolization into incubator Through healthcare workers. Gloves as fomite | Premature neonates | Extra HEPA filter Possible new designs |
Dental units |  > 10 | Water stagnation Aerosol droplets | Direct contact with contaminated water due to biofilm that is formed during water stagnation Aerosol droplets due to the use of dental devices | Dental patients | Nonchemical and chemical agents to prevent and remove biofilm |
Fluid warmers | 3 | Integrity of the membrane | Direct contact with the patient’s blood through a hole in the fluid warmer | Patients suffering from hypothermia, often in high risk departments (ICU, surgery, A&E) | Proper handling prior to using to check the integrity of the tubes |
Nebulizers | 5 | Aerosol droplets | Through healthcare workers. Gloves as fomite Aerosolization into room air Direct airway inoculation through connected ventilation system | patients with COPD, pneumonia or tracheostomy patients | Proper cleaning and handling Avoid multiple users |
Water traps | 4 | Water condensate | Through healthcare workers. Gloves as fomite Aerosolization of water condensate | Patients who receive respiratory care through a ventilator: surgery and at ICU | Proper cleaning and disposal of the condensate |
Water baths | 3 | Water in water baths Integrity of the bag | Hands of healthcare workers. Gloves as fomite Direct contact due to fracture in the bag | Patients who need cryoprecipitate transfusion | Proper cleaning of the water bath Handle the cryoprecipitate with care Replace the water baths |