TABLE 1.
Recommended personal protective equipment for different procedures in an otolaryngology clinic
| Normal head and neck examination | Procedures in the endoscopy room | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible laryngoscopy/nasoendoscopy | Oral and nasal and ear open suction | Change of tracheostomy tube | Endoscopic guided insertion of feeding tube | Change of tracheoesophageal prosthesis | ||
| Hand hygiene | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surgical mask | Yes | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| N95 mask | Yes a | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Isolation gown | No | AAMI level 1 | AAMI level 1 | AAMI level 1 | AAMI level 1 | AAMI level 1 |
| Disposable gloves | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eye protection | Visor/face shield a | Face shield | Face shield | Face shield | Face shield | Face shield |
| Hair cover | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Note: These procedures are usually done in bundle by a single otolaryngology specialist for the most prudent use of appropriate PPEs.
a
N95 and face shield are only for deep throat examinations (eg, checking of tonsil mass, ulcer at retromolar trigone region) usually done with flexible laryngoscopy in the endoscopy room.