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The Presence Of P22 Bacteriophage In Electrocautery Aerosols, Dale Stephenson, David Allcott, Michael Koch

Dale J. Stephenson

Electrosurgery units, including lasers and electrosurgical cauterizers, are commonly used for both inpatient and outpatient procedures. The generation of an aerosol plume, associated with the use of these devices, is a result of many factors including: 1) direct aspiration of blood and body fluids, 2) direct heating and vaporization of cellular fluid causing cells to explode, and 3) the carbonization of cells and cell fragments at high temperatures. Although initial studies have concluded that these plumes create only a malodorous nuisance, subsequent research suggests the presence of potential chemical and pathological hazards, including bacteria and virus. Most scientific research has …