A quantitative evaluation of aerosol generation from upper airway suctioning during tracheal intubation and extubation sequences

Abstract

Background Open respiratory suctioning is considered to be an aerosol generating procedure (AGP) and laryngopharyngeal suction, used to clear secretions during anaesthesia, is widely managed as an AGP. It is uncertain whether such upper airway suctioning should be designated an aerosol generating procedure (AGP) because of a lack of both aerosol and epidemiological evidence of risk.