Despite personal protective equipment, fluorescent markers were found on the uncovered skin, hair, and shoes of participants after simulations of emergency department management of patients experiencing respiratory distress.

The findings suggest that the current recommendations for personal protective equipment may not fully prevent exposures in emergency department settings.

Clothing that covers all skin may further diminish exposure risk.

Inhalation of aerosols and exposure risks associated with doffing were not evaluated in this study.

The small number of participants, the simulated health care setting, and the surrogate measures of exposure are the primary limitations.

Because this was a simulation study using manikins, it is uncertain how the results might apply to actual patient care.

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