IS THE USE OF A POWERED DERMATOME AN AEROSOL-GENERATING PROCEDURE (AGP)? IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION AGAINST COVID-19 VIRUS
Kayvan Shokrollahi , Ioannis Kyriazidis, Shomari Zak-Williams, Claire Jones, Elisa Murgatroyd and Dilnath Gurusinghe
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Many healthcare workers have contracted SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic, many cases of which have resulted in severe illness and death. No studies have assessed the potential for powered dermatomes to generate aerosol, an essential technique in burns and plastic surgery. The primary aim of the present study was to capture video footage to illustrate the potential for a powered dermatome to generate significant spray and hence aerosol.
Methods: We utilised a simulated skin graft harvest experimental method. Fluorescein-stained saline was used with ultraviolet (UV) backlighting to demonstrate fluorescent spray from a popular brand of air powered dermatome. Ultra-slow-motion (960 frames/s) video was used to demonstrate the oscillation of the dermatome blade and the origin within the machine of any spray generated, and the extent of spray generated.
Results: The key finding from this study is the captured video footage linked with this paper. Droplets of various sizes are seen spraying out from the leading edge at the sides where the blade oscillates. UV backlighting provides a clear demonstration of the dermatome generating fine spray.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that powered dermatome usage is likely to generate aerosol from blood or blood-contaminated fluid, but does not demonstrate or quantify to what extent this may be clinically relevant in terms of viral transmission potential. We suggest ways to reduce the risk of spray from dermatomes including limiting donor-site bleeding and avoiding a wet donor area.

**IS THE USE OF A POWERED DERMATOME AN AEROSOL-GENERATING PROCEDURE (AGP)? IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION AGAINST COVID-19 VIRUS**
**Kayvan Shokrollahi , Ioannis Kyriazidis, Shomari Zak-Williams, Claire Jones, Elisa Murgatroyd and Dilnath Gurusinghe**
**ABSTRACT**
**Introduction:** Many healthcare workers have contracted SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic, many cases of which have resulted in severe illness and death. No studies have assessed the potential for powered dermatomes to generate aerosol, an essential technique in burns and plastic surgery. The primary aim of the present study was to capture video footage to illustrate the potential for a powered dermatome to generate significant spray and hence aerosol.
**Methods:** We utilised a simulated skin graft harvest experimental method. Fluorescein-stained saline was used with ultraviolet (UV) backlighting to demonstrate fluorescent spray from a popular brand of air powered dermatome. Ultra-slow-motion (960 frames/s) video was used to demonstrate the oscillation of the dermatome blade and the origin within the machine of any spray generated, and the extent of spray generated.
**Results:** The key finding from this study is the captured video footage linked with this paper. Droplets of various sizes are seen spraying out from the leading edge at the sides where the blade oscillates. UV backlighting provides a clear demonstration of the dermatome generating fine spray.
**Conclusion:** Our study demonstrates that powered dermatome usage is likely to generate aerosol from blood or blood-contaminated fluid, but does not demonstrate or quantify to what extent this may be clinically relevant in terms of viral transmission potential. We suggest ways to reduce the risk of spray from dermatomes including limiting donor-site bleeding and avoiding a wet donor area.

P.050 Is the use of a powered dermatome an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP)? Implications for personal protection against covid-19 virus

Dear friends and colleagues,

We will be pleased to welcome you in Turin (Italy) for the 19th European Burns Association´s Congress in 2022. Italy is honored to hold the meeting of the European Burns Association for the second time, after Verona in 1995. Turin is easily reachable from everywhere in Europe, either travelling by car, train or choosing flight connections. During the meeting, held in the renewed industrial center of the main Italian historical automotive factory (i.e. Lingotto-FIAT), we will meet international burn specialists, focusing on standards of care, progresses in burn treatment, strategies to face disaster situations, with a special attention to education of younger colleagues. However, in your spare time, you might enjoy the sweet days of Italian late summer, simply wandering in the green parks and gardens along the two rivers which cross the city, or you might decide to discover the numerous art galleries, churches, palaces, libraries, walking across elegant squares and large boulevards, passing through centuries of art and history; finally, you may choose to immerse yourself in some of the most exciting museum experiences, such as the Cinema Museum and the Turin’s Egyptian museum.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Turin for the 19th European Association´s Congress in 2022!
Maurizio Stella, Congress President, Turin Burn Centre